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Berkeley Homes Royal Arsenal

(extracted from Berkeley Homes)

The Royal Arsenal at Woolwich was established in the 17th century and served as an important centre for the manufacture of ordnance for over three centuries. By the end of the First World War it covered 1,200 acres and employed over 70,000 workers. During the late 20th century the Royal Arsenal gradually contracted, leading to its eventual closure in the 1970s. The consequent loss of employment contributed to a major economic decline in the Woolwich area.

The importance of the Royal Arsenal as a focus for the regeneration of Woolwich was recognised by English Partnerships at the end of the 1990s with the creation of a master plan for redevelopment of the area. This envisaged a major mixed-use development including space for business, leisure, museums and residential dwellings. Berkeley Homes has embarked upon a development plan comprising town houses and apartments, including 25% affordable housing.

The importance of the Royal Arsenal as a focus for the regeneration of Woolwich was recognised by English Partnerships at the end of the 1990s with the creation of a master plan for redevelopment of the area. This envisaged a major mixed-use development including space for business, leisure, museums and residential dwellings. Berkeley Homes has embarked upon a development plan comprising town houses and apartments, including 25% affordable housing.

Bringing historic buildings back to life

The site is in a conservation area and contains seven listed buildings, five of which are Grade 2*. Of the 1,200 units being built by Berkeley Homes on this site, 55% are refurbished units rather than new build. The Grand Store, for example, was originally used as a munitions factory and is now being converted into 150 apartments.

It is always a priority to ensure that local archaeology is not disturbed as a result of our developments. Given the historical significance of the area, experts were employed to undertake extensive archaeological investigations below much of the site as part of the development process.

The design solutions for the apartments in the listed buildings required careful consideration to ensure that the existing features, facades and windows were retained. An example of this can be seen within one of the buildings where more than 220 cast iron columns were reused in the exterior of another refurbished building. In keeping with the principle of recycling, existing materials such as sash windows, timber joists and architraves have been retained wherever reasonably possible.

Due to the unique nature of the site, Berkeley Homes involves and consults with a wide range of organisations throughout the development process including English Heritage, the local authority conservation office, The Woolwich Historical Society and the Environment Agency.

The Royal Arsenal development represents a significant investment in the local economy and will serve as a catalyst to the regeneration of Woolwich and the surrounding area over the coming years.