£2.1m Boost for Eltham, Greenwich and Woolwich Town Centres

Key Points

• The Royal Borough of Greenwich is investing £2.1 million to enhance cleanliness, safety, and vibrancy in its town centres of Eltham, Greenwich, and Woolwich.
• Funding comes from developer contributions and ringfenced grants secured through council negotiations.
• New town centre management teams will be introduced alongside events aimed at attracting more visitors and supporting local businesses.
• Specific upgrades include landscaping Cutty Sark Gardens in Greenwich, events to boost tourism in Eltham, and maintaining Woolwich’s post-regeneration improvements.
• A new team of community safety enforcement officers will patrol town centres later in the evening to improve safety.
• This investment is part of the council’s £60 million “Getting Things Done” programme focused on addressing residents’ priorities.
• Weekly announcements on project progress will be made via the council’s website and WhatsApp updates.

What is the scope of the £2.1 million investment in Greenwich borough’s town centres?

As reported by London Post journalist, the Royal Borough of Greenwich is committing £2.1 million to ensure its town centres in Eltham, Greenwich, and Woolwich remain clean, lively, and thriving. The council aims to fund a range of initiatives including enhanced cleaning, increased rubbish collection, additional jet washing, and new town centre managers. This funding is drawn from a combination of ringfenced grants and money secured from developers as part of the council’s wider monetary negotiations.​

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, stated,

“People often feel nostalgic about how high streets used to be. I get that – so we’re investing in our town centres to make people proud today too. We’re putting extra cash into our town centres to make sure they are equipped for the modern day.”

He added,

“Fifty-five percent of residents rate their local high street or town centre as excellent or good, but we can do better. Using money we’ve secured from developers, we’re going to make sure our town centres are kept clean, well run and active”.​

How does the council plan to improve safety and public confidence in the town centres?

Councillor Okereke emphasised that the council has already announced formation of a new team of community safety enforcement officers who will patrol the town centres later in the evening, “so residents feel safe and confident to visit the town centre in the evening.” This step forms part of the strategy to ensure the high streets remain attractive beyond daylight hours and enhance the sense of public safety.​

What support will local businesses receive as part of this investment?

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Greenwich Supports, highlighted the council’s commitment to supporting local businesses through improved town centre management and engagement. Smith said,

“We are lucky to have three town centres full of character and places we feel proud to call ours. Woolwich has already undergone remarkable regeneration, and we’re making sure it’s kept clean and safe. In Greenwich, we’re going to be revamping Cutty Sark Gardens, and in Eltham, we’ll be hosting events to boost local tourism”.​

The council intends to carry out more engagement with visitors and businesses via town centre management improvements and an events programme tailored to encourage people to visit the high streets, especially in Eltham.​

What are some specific projects included in this investment?

A key project is the landscaping and revamp of Cutty Sark Gardens in Greenwich, designed to enhance the public’s experience and visual appeal of one of its most iconic green spaces. Eltham will benefit from hosting events designed to increase tourism and footfall on the high street, thereby supporting local businesses and the wider economy. Woolwich, having recently undergone significant regeneration, will be kept clean and safe, maintaining its improved status.​

What is the broader financial context and strategy behind this investment?

The £2.1 million investment is part of the council’s broader £60 million “Getting Things Done” programme, a ringfenced fund resulting from negotiations with developers. This programme is designed to focus on priorities identified by residents and cannot be used to offset any future council budget deficits. According to Councillor Okereke, the money is earmarked to address tangible issues residents care about, which the council also views as critical to community well-being.​

Announcements and updates about the progress of these initiatives are being provided weekly on the council’s official website and via their WhatsApp channel.​

How have local leaders responded to challenges in the town centres?

The investment comes against a backdrop of ongoing concerns about issues such as fly-tipping and litter. As covered by Greenwich Wire, Councillor Jackie Smith has acknowledged the need for residents to maintain cleanliness, following criticism of some public spaces. She emphasized the positive feedback from local people and business owners about recent refurbishments, such as in Woolwich, despite some negative comments from opposition councillors.​

Opposition voices, including Conservative councillor Charlie Davis of Eltham Town, have called for more urgent action on anti-social behaviour and waste management. He criticised the council for rejecting budget amendments aimed at tackling these problems sooner, highlighting frustration over lost time in addressing important issues.​

How does the wider public perceive these town centre improvements?

According to Councillor Smith, there has been favourable reception from residents and visitors alike. She cited anecdotal praise from local service providers and patients who appreciated the recent works in Woolwich. The council is seeking to build on this positivity by ensuring ongoing maintenance and engagement to keep the town centres vibrant and attractive destinations.