The transformation of Woolwich town centre has been shortlisted for the Mayor's Prize at this year's New London Architecture (NLA) Awards, recognising the council's multi-million-pound revamp across Beresford Square, Powis Street and the historic Royal Arsenal Gatehouse.
The nomination reflects the council's long-term investment in Woolwich, transforming public spaces, enhancing historic landmarks and creating a greener environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
The regeneration of Beresford Square included a new community pavilion, now home to Bob's Your Uncle café, and a garden with extensive planting to support biodiversity and manage surface water. New trees, seating and other public realm improvements were also introduced in the square and nearby Powis Street.
The project also included the restoration of the Grade II listed Royal Arsenal Gatehouse, preserving one of Woolwich's most significant historic landmarks and strengthening the town centre's identity.
Councillor Tom Creswell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, said:
"Being shortlisted for the Mayor's Prize, which recognises outstanding contributions to a better London, is a fantastic endorsement of Woolwich's transformation and the investment that continues to be made in the town centre.
"From restoring historic landmarks to creating greener public spaces, we've been working to ensure Woolwich reaches its potential as a thriving town centre where people want to live, work, visit and do business. This shortlisting is a proud moment and reflects the progress being made for our community."
Councillor Asli Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Economy, Town Centres and Co-operatives, said:
"This recognition not only reflects the progress being made to create a stronger, more vibrant town centre, it also highlights how investment in Woolwich is helping to create the conditions for businesses to succeed.
"The success of Bob's Your Uncle, which has added the Market Pavilion at Beresford Square to its other homes in the borough, shows how regeneration can create opportunities for local businesses while bringing new energy and activity to the town centre."
The transformation of Woolwich town centre was delivered through a partnership between the council and leading architects, landscape architects, engineers, designers and contractors, including LDA Design, which led the public realm design, Studio Weave, which designed the pavilion in Beresford Square, Tom Massey Studio, which designed the pavilion garden, and Gort Scott, which led the restoration of the gatehouse.
The shortlist is the latest recognition for Woolwich's ongoing transformation, which saw the opening of Woolwich Waves, our state-of-the-art leisure centre, earlier this year.
Together, these investments are creating a greener, better-connected town centre, supporting local businesses, celebrating Woolwich's heritage and ensuring regeneration benefits current and future generations.
The winner of the Mayor's Prize will be announced at London's Guildhall on 19 November.