A landmark agreement to unlock more than 3,000 new homes at Charlton Riverside has been struck by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and housing association Hyde, in what the council describes as a major step forward for one of London’s biggest regeneration opportunities.
The Landowners Collaboration Agreement was announced by the council leader, Cllr Anthony Okereke, at the London Real Estate Forum on Wednesday, 16 September. It brings together two of the largest landowners on a key stretch of riverside land between Greenwich Peninsula and Woolwich, pooling expertise across 11 hectares of prime riverfront to prepare a combined masterplan and joint planning strategy.
According to the council, the partnership will target the delivery of more than 3,000 high-quality homes with a strong focus on affordable housing, alongside jobs, better transport connections, new community facilities, greener public spaces and improved access to the River Thames.
Charlton Riverside could hold 8,000 homes and 1,000 jobs
Cllr Okereke said the wider Charlton Riverside site had the combined potential for 8,000 new homes and 1,000 jobs across the whole area.
“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.”
— Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich
Charlton Riverside — previously known as New Charlton — sits along the south bank of the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and Woolwich, bounded by the river to the north and Woolwich Road to the south. Long a primarily industrial zone known for glass and rope making, it has been the focus of regeneration efforts since the 1980s and was formally identified as a London Plan Opportunity Area.
Infrastructure, transport and flood defences in the mix
The agreement goes beyond housing. Beyond building homes, the partners have committed to “meanwhile uses” to bring the area to life quickly while longer-term plans are drawn up. The partnership will also scope the costs of critical infrastructure — including new bus routes, road connections and flood defences — so it can seek the necessary investment from the Greater London Authority, Transport for London and central government.
“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. 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.”
— Cllr Tom Creswell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Development
“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.”
— Andy Hulme, Group Chief Executive of Hyde
Residents welcome the plans
The announcement was also welcomed by a long-standing local resident. Angela, who has lived in Charlton for 30 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
The council and Hyde will continue working together over the coming months as plans for Charlton Riverside progress. The move follows the council’s recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Greater London Authority and Transport for London, and the agreement will complement wider work with landowners, businesses, developers and public-sector partners across the area.
For a borough facing sustained pressure over housing need and affordability, the deal marks another significant step in the long-term transformation of one of south-east London’s most prominent stretches of riverfront — but the real test will be turning the landmark agreement into actual homes on the ground.
Reporting based on Royal Borough of Greenwich announcement.
