'Rare' and 'unusual' Woolwich building could be turned into 249 homes in town centre

Plans for a new 23 storey block of flats in Woolwich town centre have been revealed. The project would provide 249 new homes to the site on Mortgramit Square.

The scheme, put forward by Mortgramit Square Limited, has been opened up to a public consultation before being formally submitted to Greenwich Council. The development would include a new communal courtyard as well as community spaces for holding workshops and units for shops and cafes. Is is proposed that up to 17 per cent of the homes will be put forward for ‘affordable’ housing.

Greenwich Council documents said the site reportedly dates back to the 18th century and includes Furlongs Garage, formerly the largest motoring complex in South East London. The locally listed garage was built in the late 1930s and included a car showroom, workshops and petrol station, with the Furlongs firm itself reportedly starting in 1812.

Council documents said: "As a large, purpose-built motoring complex from the early days of the private motor vehicle during the 1930s, it exemplifies an unusual and rare-surviving building type in the locality."

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Plans to build on the site were previously submitted in 2018, which included building two tower blocks of 18 and 23 storeys respectively to deliver 296 flats to the area. The proposal was refused by the Greater London Authority for not enough affordable homes being included.

A Mortgramit Square Limited spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We've been delighted to discuss the proposed redevelopment of Mortgramit Square with the local community in recent weeks. Our plans for Mortgramit Square will deliver approximately 250 new build-to-rent homes for Woolwich, making a strong contribution to a diverse housing supply within Greenwich."

They added: "Taking cues from the local context we have designed a scheme for the community to enjoy, and hope the proposals will help to enliven the local area through provision of new spaces for the community and improved public realm. Following two positive exhibition events, we are now taking the time to consider resident feedback before we submit a planning application later this year."

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