The Royal Borough of Greenwich and Hyde are set to begin the next phase of work at Charlton Riverside, bringing forward plans for a formal partnership, improvements to public spaces and a shared vision for London's next great riverside neighbourhood.
Following last month's announcement of a major land agreement between the council and Hyde that could unlock around 3,500 new homes, the two organisations will work together over the next 12 months to help shape the future of around 11 hectares of riverfront land - the equivalent of 15 football pitches - at the heart of Charlton Riverside.
More than £800,000 is being invested by the council in the next phase of work, supporting community engagement, surveys and planning work, and early projects that will help bring the area's long-term vision closer to reality.
Residents can also expect to see action on the ground, with work focused on making the area cleaner, greener and more welcoming. This includes improvements to streets and public spaces, exploring opportunities to enhance Moore Park using funding already secured from developers, and supporting community and cultural activities that bring more activity to the area.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:
"This is an important step in turning Charlton Riverside's potential into reality. By bringing key sites together through a formal partnership, we're putting the foundations in place for new homes, jobs and investment that can transform this part of our borough.
"Alongside planning for the future, we want local people to see the benefits of change from the very beginning, with improvements to public spaces, new opportunities for communities and businesses, and a stronger connection to the riverside.
"In the middle of a housing crisis, standing still isn't an option. We're taking an active and interventionist role and using the levers available to us to bring key sites together, attract investment and accelerate the delivery of much-needed homes."
Councillor Tom Creswell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, said:
"Charlton Riverside has enormous potential, but successful regeneration is about much more than new homes.
"This programme will help us work with residents, businesses and community organisations to make the area a better place to spend time, while shaping a long-term vision for its future.
"From improving public spaces and enhancing Moore Park to creating opportunities for community activity and celebrating the area's riverside location, we want local people to help shape what comes next."
Andy Hulme, Group Chief Executive Officer at Hyde said:
“Charlton Riverside is a fantastic opportunity to create a new neighbourhood that works for the people who live there now and in the future. By working closely with the council, local residents, businesses and community organisations, we can build on what is already special about the area while creating much-needed new affordable homes and better public spaces.
“This next phase is about listening, learning and getting the foundations right. We want local people to play a real part in shaping Charlton Riverside and to start seeing the benefits of investment as our plans develop.”
A dedicated Charlton Riverside Hub is also proposed, creating a space where people can find out more about the project, view emerging proposals and share their views.
The programme will include engagement with residents, businesses and community organisations, as well as local schools, including Royal Greenwich Trust School and Windrush Primary School, helping young people share their ideas and play a role in shaping the future of Charlton Riverside.
Alongside longer-term planning, the council and Hyde will explore ways to bring more activity to Charlton Riverside in the short term, including community, cultural and business initiatives, helping local people benefit from change from the earliest stages of regeneration.
Work on the partnership programme will begin later this year.