Housing minister and local MP praises Woolwich Estates regeneration and wider housing delivery

The government’s housing minister and the MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, Matthew Pennycook, has reiterated his support for the council’s regeneration work and housing delivery following a visit to Woolwich Estates.

The local MP joined Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, Cllr Majid Rahman, to look at the transformation of the former Connaught, Morris Walk, and Maryon Grove estates.

The regeneration of the three estates – now collectively known as Woolwich Estates – has paved the way for 1,615 vital new homes. Over half are affordable and 700 are for social rent, including 241 council homes.

The programme, delivered in partnership with developer Lovell and registered provider PA Housing, has enabled the council to get more people off housing waiting lists and into properties that range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom family-sized homes.

684 homes were delivered in phases one to three, with a further 766 coming in the fourth and fifth phase.

The final phase of the overall programme is Maryon Grove, which will deliver 165 homes – 80 per cent will be for social rent. Start on site is this year with completion expected in 2028.

Matthew Pennycook, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, said: “It has been fantastic to be on site today at Morris Walk and Maryon Road to see first-hand the progress of the ambitious Woolwich Estates regeneration programme.

“The programme will see the building of a significant numbers of affordable homes for local residents, including 241 council homes – easing the housing crisis locally and helping the government deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation.

“It is incredibly encouraging to see the Royal Borough of Greenwich at the forefront of housing delivery in London, having the highest number of new affordable homes started of any borough in the capital last year. I commend the council and its partners for their work in driving this particular programme forward.”

Cllr Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, said: “It was great to welcome the government’s housing minister to see the progress of the Woolwich Estates programme. The redevelopment has played a key part in our plans to regenerate the whole area.

“Having grown up near the Morris Walk estate – I had many friends who lived there, and I spent my childhood in the neighbourhood playing football and visiting friends. It fills me with great pride that we are delivering quality affordable housing, complete with friendly and accessible public spaces that place community and sustainability at the heart of the scheme.

“This is yet another great example of quality placemaking where the developer understands the vision and the task at hand which, as well as providing affordable housing, must include public realm improvements that benefit not only future residents but existing ones too – that sentiment is not lost on me.

“We are serious in our efforts to help tackle the housing crisis and getting more people off our housing waiting lists. We are also serious about ensuring people not only come off housing waiting lists but that the homes they go into are of a high quality - and thanks to our longstanding partnerships with developers such as Lovell, that is a reality in our borough.”

Construction Director at Lovell Partnerships, Chris Wallace, said: “It was a privilege to welcome Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook to One Woolwich – this is a regeneration programme of real scale and ambition, delivered in close partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

“At Lovell, we’re proud to be playing a leading role in transforming this part of the capital through high-quality homes of all tenures, that meet the needs of local people. With over 600 homes already complete and hundreds more in progress, this 12-year project is not just about building houses - it’s about creating a place where people feel at home, where communities can put down roots and thrive.

“As we get ready to start work on the final phase, our commitment remains the same: to deliver great homes, strong partnerships and places people are proud to live in.”