Tesco Extra, Woolwich

The centre of Woolwich has undergone a transformation since I retired from the Borough in July 2011. The regeneration was prompted partly by the Olympics but partly by a real need to redevelop the heart of the community. The Council offices were strewn over a wide area in a large number of buildings so finance was sought to reorganise Council services and create more living space in the centre of the town.

So the answer was to allow Tesco to build a huge superstore right in the middle of town, with, as you can see, a considerable number of affordable houses and apartments as part of the plans. Money realised by the Tesco deal allowed the Council to build a new Civic Centre, rationalise buildings and sell more redundant council sites for housing redevelopement.

While most of this was underway while I was working in Grenwich, it has all come to fruition in the last 18 months. The fininshed central area looks very impressive and the whole area has benefited from the opening of a Docklands Light Railway station and will benefit from a Cross Rail Station.

I still go to Woolwich for business meetings - well, 3 former Greenwich staff created a small ICT Education consultancy and we meet up regularly - so you should see more Greenwich and Woolwich shots in the future - to add to the one of the Woolwich Ferry posted earlier.