Key Points
- Royal Borough of Greenwich investing £2.1 million to enhance Eltham, Greenwich, and Woolwich town centres.
- Project funded through developer contributions and ringfenced grants; separate from deficit funding.
- Aims to improve cleanliness, safety, and attractiveness of high streets.
- New town centre managers and community safety enforcement officers to be deployed.
- Increased jet washing and rubbish collection planned.
- Specific projects include landscaping Cutty Sark Gardens in Greenwich and events package in Eltham to boost local tourism.
- Woolwich regeneration efforts to continue with focus on cleanliness and safety.
- Weekly updates on project progress will be posted on the council website.
- The £60 million secured from developers is allocated to address residents’ priorities.
What Is the Scope of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Town Centre Investment?
As reported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich council communications, the borough is committing £2.1 million to revitalise its three key town centres: Eltham, Greenwich, and Woolwich. This comprehensive investment focuses on making high streets cleaner, safer, and more welcoming to residents and visitors alike.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, leader of the council, emphasised the intention behind the scheme. He told the media,
“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.”
He explained that the funding, derived primarily from money secured from developers and grants ringfenced for these purposes, will not be used to cover any existing or future budget deficits but exclusively for town centre improvements.
How Will the Council Improve Cleanliness and Safety in the Town Centres?
Councillor Okereke outlined specific initiatives to uplift the town centres systematically. He said,
“We’re putting extra cash into our town centres to make sure they are equipped for the modern day. Fifty-five percent of residents rate their local high street or town centre as excellent or good, but we can do better.”
The planned measures include appointing new town centre managers tasked with overseeing activities, increasing jet washing services, and ramping up rubbish collection efforts to maintain high standards of cleanliness.
Importantly, the council is also enhancing community safety by deploying a new team of community safety enforcement officers who will patrol during later hours to boost feelings of security: “Residents feel safe and confident to visit the town centre in the evening,” according to Okereke.
What Support Is Planned for Local Businesses?
The local authority will provide increased support to businesses within these town centres. Councillor Jackie Smith, cabinet member for inclusive economy, remarked during an interview with Greenwich Today,
“We are lucky to have three town centres full of character and places we feel proud to call ours.”
Smith highlighted ongoing and upcoming business support efforts:
“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.”
By improving town centre management and promoting events, the council expects to increase footfall and commercial activity, benefiting local traders and markets.
How Will Greenwich’s Cutty Sark Gardens Be Revamped?
The council plans to use a portion of the funds to enhance Cutty Sark Gardens, a prominent public space in Greenwich. This landscaping initiative aims to create a more attractive and functional area that can cater to residents and attract visitors. Details provided by the council’s press release include upgrading greenery and seating facilities, but further announcements on exact designs are expected in coming weeks.
What Events Are Planned for Eltham to Attract Visitors?
Eltham will benefit from a new events package designed to draw more people to the high street. According to Jacqueline Smith, “We are hosting events to boost local tourism.” These events will range from cultural festivals to markets, aimed at harnessing Eltham’s unique identity to reconnect the community with the high street experience.
How Will Woolwich’s Regeneration Be Maintained?
Smith noted that Woolwich has already seen significant regeneration but emphasised ongoing efforts to sustain this momentum by maintaining cleanliness and safety. The council will ensure continued investment in these areas to protect Woolwich’s progress and reputation.
Where Does the Funding Come From, and How Will the Project Be Managed?
The £2.1 million funding for this initiative is part of a larger £60 million secured from developers, which the Royal Borough of Greenwich can allocate specifically to priority projects that benefit residents. Councillor Okereke confirmed this in his press interview, stating the money is “focused on things that matter to residents.”
Importantly, the funding mechanism excludes any usage for general council deficits or other unrelated budget lines. The council plans to provide transparent weekly updates on progress via its official website to keep the public informed on developments.
How Does the Community React to the Face Lift Plans?
While detailed public opinion polls were not disclosed alongside the announcement, the council referenced a statistic showing 55% of residents currently rate their local high street or town centre as excellent or good, signalling potential for further improvement.
The overall tone from councillors is optimistic, focusing on restoring pride and utility in each town centre through community engagement, business support, and environmental improvements.
