Shaped by over 1,000 contributions from the public, the Royal Borough of Greenwich has unveiled a vision for the borough to 2050.
By 2050, Greenwich will be the borough that creates, for and with everyone who lives, works and grows up here. It will create opportunity, belonging, joy, wellbeing and neighbourhoods. Everyone will share in it, and it will last for the next generation.
You can read the draft papers, which are subject to Cabinet and Full Council approval, online now.
In 1675, the Royal Observatory was created in Greenwich for one practical reason: ships were getting lost. What began as a practical answer to a practical problem went on to create something the whole world still relies on.
Pulling on our history of creative problem solving, equality and opportunity, this blueprint will steer our course over the next two decades.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “We had one of our biggest ever conversations over the summer, and every bit of feedback we received has led to this. What’s clear is that we have a borough full of pride, character and history – three things we do not want to lose.
“Greenwich is growing and constantly changing. That brings challenges, and people told us this can feel like two different boroughs, depending on where you live. We want to be a borough that creates opportunity, wellbeing, belonging, neighbourhoods and joy whatever postcode you live in, however long you’ve lived here.
“This plan sets out what the council will focus on for the next four years, and where our borough is heading to 2050. It matters because it is built on what you told us. This plan is about three things that make a life here - days of joy, in our parks, on our river and in every town centre; the opportunity to start something, whether that is a first job, a first home or a first business; a place where everyone belongs, whether you arrived last month or have lived here for 50 years.
“This is a once in a generation chance to look ahead, map the route and set out how we will create the borough of 2050.”
Residents were clear about what matters to them. Green space and the river came up more than anything else. People asked for more for young people, and for new homes to come with the GP places, school places and buses to match. They also asked for a way to check the council’s progress.
The vision now has fairness running through every theme: the same standard on every street. The first four-year step is the council’s Corporate Plan 2026 to 2030. Progress will go on a public dashboard and be reported to Cabinet every year, alongside the budget.