The transformation of the underpass beneath Pettman Crescent Bridge in Plumstead is now complete, creating a vibrant new public space shaped by the ideas and input from local residents and more than 200 young people.
The revitalised underpass, now named ‘The Colourway’, features new artwork, better lighting, and resurfaced footways for improved accessibility. The name "The Colourway" was chosen by local people and reflects the project's ambition to create a colourful, welcoming route that connects communities and provides a positive gateway into the area.
To mark the completion of the project, residents are invited to attend a free community celebration at:
The Colourway on Saturday 4 July from 11am to 1pm. The event will include free refreshments, creative activities, opportunities to meet the artists involved in the project and cultural performances.
The project forms part of wider regeneration and public realm improvements taking place across Plumstead in response to feedback from residents who want the area to feel safer, cleaner, brighter and more welcoming.
The improvements have been delivered by the Royal Borough of Greenwich in partnership with Peabody and Berkeley, with funding from the Mayor of London's Housing Zone programme.
The full list of improvements include:
- Striking new public artwork and murals
- Enhanced lighting throughout the underpass
- Resurfaced footways and improved accessibility
- New planting and landscaping
- Measures to discourage anti-social behaviour
- Upgraded public spaces designed to create a more welcoming environment people cycling, walking and wheeling
A key feature of the project has been the involvement of local people throughout the design process. Residents helped shape the vision for the space during workshops, walkabouts and co-design activities led by make:good.
More than 200 students from Heronsgate Primary School, Bannockburn Primary School and Plumstead Manor School took part in workshops that helped inspire and create elements of the artwork now featured within The Colourway. Local A-level students also gained hands-on experience through a Young Designers programme, working alongside the professional design team.
Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, Cabinet Member for Transport, Climate Change, Waste said: "This project is a fantastic example of the power of community-led design. From the very beginning, residents and young people have played a central role in shaping The Colourway, helping transform a previously overlooked space into something vibrant, welcoming and full of character. Seeing the ideas and creativity of more than 200 local students reflected in the finished artwork is particularly inspiring. The Colourway demonstrates our commitment to investing in public spaces that bring communities together and make Plumstead an even better place to live, work and visit."
Adriana Marques, Assistant Director of Cultural Strategy and Programme at Peabody, said:
“The Colourway is a brilliant example of how culture can help bring underused spaces back to life and make them feel safer, brighter and more welcoming for everyone. By working with local residents, schools and young people, we’ve been able to support a bold, community-led project that turns an everyday route into a vibrant new landmark. This is exactly what Peabody’s cultural strategy is about: creating new spaces for culture, supporting local leadership and fostering a strong sense of belonging through bold projects.”
Jasper Sutherland, Associate at make:good said: "Collaborating with Adam Nathaniel Furman, Adams & Sutherland Architects, Artin light and over 200 local children to transform this underpass was a joy. From our first community walkabout to seeing the students' ideas evolve into the final artwork, the process was fun and impactful. In addition to the pattern making marathons in local primary schools, it was great working more closely with the older students on our Young Designers Programme. Some of them completed work experience with us and plan to go to university to study for a career in design. It's lovely being a part of the big impact we made in the space as well as those more personal impacts on someone's life."
The Colourway demonstrates how community-led design can transform everyday spaces, creating places that are safer, more welcoming and better connected for everyone who lives in, works in or visits Plumstead. The project showcases how local residents, schools and young people can play a central role in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods.
Thanks to the design team:
Architecture & Landscape: Adams & Sutherland
Artwork: Adam Nathaniel Furman
Co-design: make:good
Lighting: Artin Light
Mural Painting: Many Hands