A landmark Charlton Riverside homes deal has been struck by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and housing association Hyde, paving the way for more than 3,000 new homes on one of south-east London’s biggest regeneration sites.
The Landowners Collaboration Agreement brings together two of the largest landowners on a key stretch of riverside land between Greenwich Peninsula and Woolwich, where long-standing industrial plots are now earmarked for a major new riverside neighbourhood.
News of the agreement was announced by council leader Cllr Anthony Okereke at the London Real Estate Forum on Wednesday 16 September, in what Greenwich describes as a massive step forward for one of London’s biggest regeneration opportunities.
Charlton Riverside homes: what the deal includes
Through the collaboration, the council and Hyde will pool expertise across 11 hectares of prime riverfront land to prepare a combined masterplan and joint planning strategy. The partnership will target the delivery of more than 3,000 high-quality homes, with a strong focus on affordable housing.
That forms part of an even larger long-term ambition for the area: the whole Charlton Riverside site has the combined potential for 8,000 new homes and 1,000 jobs, according to the council.
Beyond housing, the deal commits both partners to “meanwhile uses” designed to bring the area to life quickly while longer-term plans take shape. To unlock full delivery, the partnership will scope the costs for critical infrastructure — including new bus routes, road connections and flood defences — so it can secure the investment needed from the Greater London Authority, Transport for London and central Government.
Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Charlton Riverside represents one of the biggest regeneration opportunities anywhere in London. There’s the combined potential for 8,000 new homes and 1,000 jobs across the whole site. We’re not scared to be interventionist and use the levers we have to make this happen. Through this landmark Collaboration Agreement with Hyde Housing, we’ll pool expertise across 11 hectares of prime riverfront land to prepare a combined masterplan and joint planning strategy. Our partnership will target the delivery of more than 3,000 high-quality homes with a strong focus on affordable housing.”
Council and Hyde set out joint ambition
Cllr Tom Creswell, the council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, said working alongside Hyde creates an opportunity to plan a significant part of Charlton Riverside in a coordinated way, helping to unlock the investment, infrastructure and public spaces needed for new homes and sustainable growth.
“Working alongside Hyde creates an opportunity to plan for a significant part of Charlton Riverside in a coordinated way, helping to unlock the investment, infrastructure and public spaces needed to support new homes and sustainable growth,” he said.
“Beyond housing, the agreement commits us both to meanwhile uses to bring the area to life quickly. To unlock full delivery, the Partnership will scope the costs for critical infrastructure — including new bus routes, road connections, and flood defences so that we can secure the necessary investment from the GLA, TfL, and Government. Our focus will be on creating a well-connected neighbourhood that benefits existing communities, honours Charlton’s industrial heritage, while opening up better access to the river. This is another important step towards turning a long-held vision into reality.”
Andy Hulme, Group Chief Executive of Hyde, called it a “game changing moment” for the area: “This is a game changing moment for Charlton Riverside and for people in desperate need of affordable homes. We’re excited to be working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich and to be at the forefront of bringing new, much needed affordable homes to this unique riverside setting. This is about more than just building homes. This agreement shows what we can achieve by working in partnership with a range of partners to create a new community at Charlton Riverside which can thrive for generations to come.”
Residents welcome regeneration plans
The announcement was welcomed by long-standing local residents, who say transforming the rundown industrial sites could make the area feel safer and bring more families to the area.
Angela, a Charlton resident of thirty years, said: “Charlton is a tightknit local community. When people move here, they don’t want to leave. It’s great being near to the river where you can cycle into central London or towards Kent. It has always felt like a real part of London where people raise families and put down roots. Transforming the rundown industrial areas into a mix of good quality housing, green spaces, and independent shops and cafes supported by better transport links, will not only make the area feel safer but will mean even more people can call Charlton home and love it as much as I do.”
What happens next at Charlton Riverside
The move marks another significant step towards the long-term transformation of Charlton Riverside, following the council’s recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Greater London Authority and Transport for London.
The agreement will complement wider work with landowners, businesses, developers and public sector partners across the area, supporting the long-term transformation. The council and Hyde will continue to work together over the coming months as plans for Charlton Riverside progress.
The area — formerly known as New Charlton and long associated with industrial uses including glass and rope making — was identified as an Opportunity Area by the Mayor of London in 2008, and regeneration is being guided by the Charlton Riverside Masterplan agreed by the council and updated in 2017.
Reporting based on Royal Borough of Greenwich.
