Key Points
- Greenwich Council plans to sell three underutilised car parks near Plumstead High Street, Blackheath Standard, and Charlton Village.
- The car parks were put up for public auction on 25 November 2025 with a collective price just over £1.1 million.
- The sale has received backlash from local businesses and shoppers concerned about the impact.
- Greenwich Council’s leader stated he does not ‘wake up and dream of selling car parks’ but said it is necessary to maintain council services.
- The auction for the three car parks is scheduled for 11 December 2025 at midday.
What is the reason behind Greenwich Council’s decision to sell the car parks?
As reported by a journalist from MyLondon, Greenwich Council has announced plans to sell three council-owned car parks located near key shopping areas in South London – Plumstead High Street, Blackheath Standard, and Charlton Village. The council stated that these car parks have been underutilised, and selling them would generate essential revenue needed to continue providing services to residents. The leader of Greenwich Council expressed reluctance about selling these public assets but emphasised that the sale is necessary to keep the council’s services running smoothly. This rhetoric reflects the difficult financial decisions local councils across the UK face in the current economic climate .
What are the locations and details of the car parks being sold?
The three car parks are situated strategically near important shopping parades:
- One is near Plumstead High Street
- Another close to Blackheath Standard
- The third near Charlton Village
Collectively, these parcels of land have been listed with an estimated price of just over £1.1 million. The public auction for these car parks was announced to have taken place on 25 November 2025, with the sale event scheduled for midday on 11 December 2025. The council’s choice of auction as the method for disposal indicates an openness to market forces to determine the ultimate sell price .
What are the reactions from businesses and shoppers about the car park sales?
Local businesses and shoppers have expressed strong opposition to the plan. The main concern stems from the potential negative impact on footfall and accessibility for shoppers if the car parks are sold to private owners and potentially redeveloped or subjected to higher parking fees. Business owners argue that these car parks support local commerce by providing convenient parking options, which could be lost through private sale. Shoppers similarly fear a loss of easy access to shopping areas, which might deter visits and reduce overall economic activity in these community hubs .
What does Greenwich Council’s leadership say about the sale of these assets?
The council leader conveyed a measured tone, acknowledging the unpopularity of the decision. As reported by MyLondon, he remarked that he does not ‘wake up and dream of selling car parks,’ reflecting a sentiment of reluctance rather than enthusiasm. However, he emphasised that the council must take such actions to maintain essential services amid budget pressures. The statement highlights the difficult balancing act local governments face between maintaining public amenities and managing financial constraints to provide wider community services .
How will the auction process proceed and what does it imply for the future?
The auction for the three car parks was publicly announced to take place at midday on 11 December 2025. This method of sale implies that the council aims to maximize financial returns by allowing competitive bidding among potential buyers. The future use of these car parks will depend on the buyers’ plans. There may be redevelopment, repurposing, or continued use as parking facilities, but details remain unknown until the completion of the sale. The outcomes will likely impact the economic and social dynamics of the affected areas in Greenwich .
