The Royal Borough of Greenwich is thrilled to announce that Thamesmead has been chosen by the Government to become a ‘New Town’, which could see up to 15,000 new homes built for local people and thousands of jobs created.
The riverside location, which is already set to benefit from the extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and Pride in Place funding, was selected by the Government’s New Towns Taskforce as one of seven new towns picked to kickstart a national housebuilding push.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “We know how much potential there is waiting to be unlocked in Thamesmead, and we’re thrilled the government also recognised as a New Town delivering up to 15,000 new homes and 6000 jobs.
“Earlier this year, the council welcomed fresh investment for our long-championed campaign to extend the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead. The New Town regeneration and potential rail link would create new jobs, new housing and boost business to an area that benefits from better transport links.
“Thamesmead represents one of the largest regeneration areas in London and we will continue to work together with our partners the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, Peabody and Lendlease, to realise its full potential for existing and new communities.”
Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said: “I warmly welcome Thamesmead being selected for this ambitious programme to deliver the homes and infrastructure our community needs.
“This is a major opportunity to transform the area, with new homes, jobs and the long-awaited DLR extension – something I have campaigned for since becoming an MP – finally bringing better connections for local residents.
“It is particularly encouraging to see a strong commitment to genuinely affordable homes, including homes for social rent, so local families can benefit.
“I will continue working with ministers, the local council, local partners and residents to ensure this development delivers for our community, both now and in the future.”
On Friday, the council announced that £20million of long-term funding from the government’s Pride in Place had been secured for Birchmere Park in Thamesmead.
The funding means £2 million every year dedicated to improving the local community and builds on the existing work the Council and local MP have already delivered for Thamesmead, which includes the introduction of the Superloop bus route.
Find out more about Thamesmead Waterfront.