Property, Houses and Flats for Sale in Woolwich, South East London

Woolwich goes on parade.

Living in Woolwich

Located across the river from Canary Wharf and the City, Woolwich is a colourful and traditional neighbourhood, boasting one of the oldest markets in South London. It has also, during the past few years, become a property hotspot.

Coming to Woolwich in the next year or so is a Docklands Light Railway station that will put Canary Wharf just 12 minutes away. Also on the horizon is Crossrail, and with that the prospect of Woolwich becoming a transport hub for the Thames Gateway.

The former Royal Military Academy in Woolwich is progressively being regenerated into a new urban village, and this “Royal Arsenal” development is attracting home buyers who have been priced out of Docklands.

Providing an extension to the existing town centre, Royal Arsenal's future commercial and leisure zones will re-establish links with the local community, creating a lively focus for residents and the wider neighbourhood.

Parts of Woolwich look like Docklands did 20 years ago; the run-down and blocked-off riverbank near the Thames Barrier is raw and industrial. However, as the land rises inland towards Charlton and Shooters Hill, there are attractive pockets and conservation areas.

Woolwich has extensive shopping facilities, especially around Powis Street, which is pedestrianised. There is also a popular street market by the entrance to Royal Woolwich Arsenal.

Transport

Woolwich Arsenal station provides frequent rail services to London Bridge, Cannon Street, Waterloo East and Charing Cross. Typical journey times are between 10 and 30 minutes.

Local buses serve North Greenwich Station from where Jubilee line services run directly to Central London. The Docklands Light Railway at Greenwich provides access to Central London, Canary Wharf and London City Airport.

The Thames Clippers river taxi operates a commuter service from Royal Arsenal Pier to Canary Wharf in a journey time of approximately 23 minutes.

History and culture

In 1512 Henry VIII chose Woolwich as the site for the building of his flagship, the “Henri Grace a Dieu". From then until its closure in 1869 Woolwich had a royal dockyard of considerable distinction.

The Regiment of Artillery was formed in the Arsenal in 1716, and in 1741 the Royal Military Academy. The Royal artillery moved from the Arsenal to new barracks on Woolwich Common between 1776 and 1802, and the Academy moved to another new building, also on the Common, in 1808.

The presence of these institutions had a profound effect on the development of the town, creating an industrialised garrison town. The town grew very rapidly, occupying all vacant land except Woolwich Common, which was owned and used by the Royal Artillery.

The final closure of the Royal Arsenal in 1994 created an opportunity to open up the Arsenal site with its fine buildings and river views for housing, business, leisure, and heritage.

Leisure facilities are excellent in Woolwich, with the Waterfront Leisure Centre, which has a swimming pool and gym facilities, as well as a restaurant and café that overlook the River Thames.

The area has a good selection of open space, with Woolwich Common, St Mary's Gardens (a former churchyard) and Royal Arsenal Gardens, which has a skateboard park and a children's playground.

The Firepower Royal Artillery Museum is worth a visit. For further information about the museum visit: www.firepower.org.uk.