News

The news section of Greenwich.co.uk has been paused since 2018. Please enjoy browsing archive news articles below.

Greenwich WWI Roll of Honour to be published

October 22, 2018 By Rob Powell

NAMES of almost 1900 men local men who died during the Great War will be published next month to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.

The roll of honour was compiled by the old Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich and deposited inside the War Memorial at the top of Maze Hill when it was unveiled and dedicated in November 1922.

The list has been digitised over the course of this year and will be printed in a brand new booklet from the publishers of this website, with the support of Greenwich Historical Society. It will also contain photography of local memorials and a foreword by Revd Chris Moody from St Alfege Church.

Copies of the booklet can be ordered now for £5 + £2P&P and will be delivered in November in time for Armistice Day.

Individuals who wish to lend additional support to the project can pay £19.18 for a copy and have their name printed inside as a thank you.

Greenwich Council’s new leader inspects East Greenwich pocket park plans on busy first day

May 30, 2018 By Rob Powell

THE NEW Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich spent part of his first full day in office inspecting plans for a new pocket park in East Greenwich yesterday.

Councillor Danny Thorpe met with some local residents, Peninsula ward councillors Stephen Brain and Denise Scott-McDonald, and architects at the site of the proposed pocket park at the corner of Mell Street and Trafalgar Road.

The designs include new seating, trees and planters and a green wall on the side of the adjacent branch of Tesco.

It was the first official day in post for the new leader who served as deputy to outgoing leader Denise Hyland for the past two years. He was sworn in last Wednesday night but is continuing with his job as a primary school teacher on Thursdays and Fridays until the end of term.

Thorpe’s park inspection in East Greenwich was just one stop-off on a busy first day touring the borough.

“We started in Thamesmead at the housing zone site where we’re doing 68 affordable homes in partnership with Peabody and the Mayor of London. Then I did a walkabout on Plumstead High Street, meeting businesses and seeing the work we’re doing to clean up the environment down there.

“From there we went to the Glyndon estate where I chaired the first of my housing delivery boards with senior officers and the Chief Executive of the council. We set out an agenda to refocus the council on rebuilding housing and trying to identify what resources we have to do that.

“After that we did a walkabout on the Glyndon estate with some residents who were showing us areas of the estate they were concerned about. Then over to Middle Park where we had a really good chat with about 15 people at a jobs fair who are trying to get a job with IKEA.

“Then we went down to Lionel Road Community Centre, where my nan used to be a cleaner, and I called the bingo numbers! And now we’re here in East Greenwich talking to ward councillors and some of the people that will design and develop the pocket park before we go back to the town hall where I’ll chair my first cabinet meeting followed by a knife-crime event with community leaders.”

It was a 'full house' this afternoon at 'Happy Bingo' at Lionel Road, one of the many great community centres we have across @Royal_Greenwich – our voluntary & community sector plays such a big part in the life of our borough & I look forward to meeting more organisations soon! pic.twitter.com/dv64DTuCen

— Dan Thorpe (@DanLThorpe) May 29, 2018

The pocket park, due for completion early next year, is one of three along Trafalgar Road that were recently consulted on – the others being at the corners of Hoskins Street and Pelton Road.

“One of the things people in East Greenwich have been telling us for some time,” says Thorpe, “is that they want the place to feel a bit greener. Trafalgar Road can be quite a hostile environment and one of our main aims is a stronger approach to healthy streets. A lot of good work has been done in boroughs like Waltham Forest so I’m reaching out to them, saying ‘can you tell us what you’ve done and how it’s made a difference.’ We know people are concerned about air quality and this is one response to that.”

Air quality, especially in relation to the proposed cruise ship terminal at Enderby Wharf, was one of the biggest issues in the recent local elections. Last week the Mayor of London said he “still had concerns” about Enderby Wharf and urged Greenwich Council to “do the right thing.” What does Thorpe think the right thing to do is?

“I’ve been saying very clearly that the developer has a greater job to do in engaging with the community and address their concerns. Dealing with emissions and the pollution aspect of the river is not solely the job as us as the council and actually we don’t have the powers to do it so one of the things we need to push for is, which I know [former councillor] Mary Mills, for example, has been talking a lot about, is how we have an environmental strategy for the river.

“The planning permission for the cruise liner terminal predates me being on the cabinet and goes right back to 2011-2012. I don’t have the power to revoke the planning permission and clearly I can’t do anything which is going to leave anything liable for any claims but everyone knows the site is up for sale and we will obviously be talking to the developer as they come forward with plans. It is obviously a big concern for many, many people. I’ve lived in this borough my whole life. I don’t want to do anything deliberately designed to cause pollution or ruin the river but unfortunately in terms of the planning decision we had to take there are very strict rules about how those decisions are taken.”

But whether the cruise terminal is eventually built or not, the number of cruise ships arriving at the floating terminal at Greenwich Ship Tier has risen sharply this year. Should river-facing boroughs express a view on what’s an acceptable number of large ships to moor on the Thames?

“This goes back to my point about who controls the environmental strategy for the river and clearly boroughs which face on to the river have to have a say but none of us on our own have the power to control those things. So I think a new regulatory approach is needed involving City Hall, the Port of London Authority and London boroughs getting round the table to have a clear set of principles and expectations about what we want and also to be able to hold to account those people that are on the river.

“As one example, Thames Clippers… a lot of people think ‘what a great service,’ but how are they powering their boats and are they the most environmentally sustainable?”

Thorpe is answering questions as traffic passes by on the busy A206 – a road on which two cyclists have died this month. Oliver Speke died after a collision with a lorry on Romney Road on May 9th. Edgaras Cepura was killed by a lorry at the Woolwich Road roundabout on May 18th. What will Thorpe be saying to City Hall about cyclist safety on this TFL-controlled road?

“I’ve asked for an urgent site meeting with Heidi Alexander, incoming Deputy Mayor for Transport, and [Walking and Cycling Commissioner] Will Norman, with us and our officers to discuss what we can all jointly do. I know there’s some talk with people saying things have been cancelled or not cancelled. I don’t know the details on those and my view really is that I don’t want to get in to the blame game. We need to do something to fix the problem. I also spoke with Greenwich Cyclists who are involved in an event [outside the Town Hall] next Thursday to mark what’s happened and make a call for action so we’re talking to them about how we need them to be involved as we go forward.”

New Christmas cards from Greenwich.co.uk on sale now

November 30, 2017 By Greenwich.co.uk

TWO brand new Christmas cards from Greewnich.co.uk have gone on sale.

Both of the cards show pictures of Greenwich Park taken during the snowfall of January 2013.

The first image shows the famous view of maritime Greenwich and Canary Wharf from the Wolfe statue, and the second is the view in the opposite direction, up towards the Observatory.

The A6-sized cards have been produced again for Sabo’s newsagents in Stockwell Street and are available in packs of 10 for £6.

Alternatively, a limited number of the Greenwich Christmas cards are also available to order online.

Local scenes also feature in the photo calendar created by our sister website OnTheThames.net. Now in its 5th year of production, the calendar features images from up and down the tidal Thames and includes tall ships at Greenwich and a striking sunset seen behind the Thames Barrier.

The On The Thames 2018 calendar is available to buy locally at Sabo’s, the Warwick Leadlay Gallery and at the kiosk by the northern entrance to Greenwich Foot Tunnel. From Friday 1st December it will also be available at the Old Cottage Coffee Shop in Charlton. The calendar can also be ordered online.

IKEA starts assembling new Greenwich Peninsula store

November 29, 2017 By Rod Kitson

IKEA has begun building work on its Greenwich Peninsula superstore – its first new full sized store in London for 13 years.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place yesterday at the construction site at Millennium Way Retail Park, attended by Greenwich Council’s deputy leader Cllr Danny Thorpe and the Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Peter Brooks.

The Swedish furniture giant is investing £100 million into the new 32,000 sq m store which it says is creating 560 jobs and is the most central of its sites in the capital.

Speaking to Greenwich.co.uk, store manager, Janie Bisset, said: “We know that people in London have more choice and want convenience in how they get things, and can get everything super-fast. We want to make sure we connect with that. We are very proud that this will be the most accessible store in London.”

The start of work on site comes four years after IKEA first announced its plans, with the proposal being one of the most controversial local planning applications of recent years.

The Charlton Society, Westcombe Society and Greenwich Conservation Group all opposed the application during the planning process.

Responding to concerns that the new store – next to the Blackwall Tunnel approach road – will negatively impact already-busy local roads, Bisset added: “The goal is we will have as many people travelling by public transport as possible, and then we offer really great services so you can make sure it’s delivered next day to your home.

“As part of the planning constraints we are part of the sustainability travel agenda with the council and that outlines all the things in there where we really consider how our consumers travel and how workers will travel in. Our ambition is that 100 per cent of our co-workers will travel by sustainable means.”

IKEA claims the store will be the “most sustainable” of all its UK sites, with solar panels and wind turbines hoped to be producing as much energy as it consumes by 2020. A roof garden is a UK first for IKEA, as are workshops for customers who want to refurbish their tired furniture.

Sketch of the new store’s proposed roof garden

Built on the site of the now-demolished “eco Sainsburys”, which received an award from RIBA for its sustainability yet only survived 13 years, how will IKEA measure its own sustainability claims?

UK Sustainability Manager Hege Saebjornsen told Greenwich.co.uk that it was not just about the store’s environmental impact.

She said: “What’s important for us is that sustainability doesn’t just mean the environmental side. We’re building sustainability into the building and what it offers customers, but it also has to be financially sustainable as a business.

“So sustainability is important in terms of, ‘How does the business need to grow to be around for 25 years?’ We could have built something that could have been perceived as even more of a sustainable store from an external perspective, but actually this will now work from an environmental, social and financial dimension.

“But we’re very confident about the holistic nature of how we’re developing the Greenwich store. How confident are we that we will deliver on our sustainability claims? For us, absolutely.”

The store, which is due to open winter 2018, will cater to a different market from those further out of town, says store manager Janie Bisset.

She said. “We know around this store we have lots of shared rentals, a lot of people who might be 40, have a good job in London but share a house.

“It’s about how we show the range. So if you think of a high-rental area, people spend more or less their whole life in their bedroom. A range for a bedroom here would be dramatically different from how we would show a range for a bedroom in Scotland.

“Potentially you’d have a microwave and eating quarters in your bedroom or a work space, sofa-bed so you could sit and watch the TV. We have 8000 articles and present the ranges differently depending on our markets.

“You should walk into the Greenwich store – or any store near you – and think ‘Ah, they understand the way I live. We’ll show you something that is your style, but also something where you might think: ‘I should try that’.”

Artist’s render of new Greenwich IKEA.

Photo top: IKEA Greenwich Store Manager, Janie Bisset and IKEA Sustainability Manager for the UK and IE, Hege Saebjornsen joined by Cllr Danny Thorpe, Deputy Leader of the Council, and Cllr Peter Brooks, the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, in leading the groundbreaking ceremony for the new store.

Deck the horse with boughs of holly! King’s Troop appear in Christmas outfits

December 25, 2016 By Rob Powell

OVER forty horses from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery went on a Christmas Eve outing to Blackheath yesterday morning.

Tinsel, Christmas jumpers and other festive outfits were the order of the day for both riders and horses in the now-traditional Christmas Eve trip.

Based in Woolwich since 2012, the King’s Troop set off on their seasonal hack through the streets of south east London at about half past eight.

The Troop travelled through Charlton village to Blackheath where they were met with mince pies and sherry as they reached Morden College.

After refreshments and a chance for residents of Morden College to admire the horses, the King’s Troop headed back to their barracks in Repository Road.

VIDEO: King’s Troop RHA in Christmas outing to Blackheath

PICTURES: See the King’s Troop in Christmas outfits

The King’s Troop pass Charlton House on their way to Blackheath

Over forty horses took part in the seasonal display

Canary Wharf in the background as the Troop cross Blackheath

Onlookers turned out to watch the now-traditional Christmas outing

Refreshments were enjoyed at Morden College, Blackheath

The King’s Troop RHA go back across the heath as they head back to Woolwich

See more photos in this Facebook album

New photo calendar and exhibition in Greenwich celebrate the River Thames

December 6, 2016 By Greenwich.co.uk

A BRAND new calendar for 2017 has gone on sale in Greenwich celebrating the River Thames.

The ‘On The Thames’ calendar, now in its fourth year, includes the usual mix of tall ships, cruise ships, the Royal Navy and more, including returning favourites Gloriana, ST Portwey and PS Waverley.

Published by the same company as Greenwich.co.uk, there has in recent years been a Greenwich calendar and a Thames calendar but this year only one design has been produced.

“Although we’ve rested the Greenwich-specific calendar for this year, there’s plenty of Greenwich to enjoy in the Thames edition including a striking photo of a tug spraying water in front of the Old Royal Naval College and also Christmas lights up on the Cutty Sark,” explained maritime photographer and Greenwich.co.uk editor Rob Powell.

Some of the photos from this year’s calendar and previous editions are also on display in a brand new Thames exhibition at the Rivington bar & restaurant in Greenwich High Road.

Curated by Tony Othen from The Greenwich Gallery, the exhibition of Rob Powell’s river photography will be on display for approximately three months with photos available to buy as individual prints, mounted prints, or framed prints.

The On The Thames 2017 Calendar costs £6.99 and is available in Greenwich at the Rivington, the Warwick Leadlay Gallery, Sabo’s Newsagent, and Pegga Stores at Blackheath Standard.

The calendar is also available to order online.

Photographer Rob Powell and the manager of the Rivington. Photo: Tony Othen.

On The Thames 2017 calendar with a striking front cover image featuring the Queen’s House and Old Royal Naval College.

Cutty Sark’s Christmas Tree style lights also appear in the On The Thames 2017 calendar.

Luxury ship The World returns to Greenwich

July 4, 2016 By Greenwich.co.uk

UNIQUE residential cruise ship MS The World arrived in Greenwich yesterday afternoon for a five day visit to the capital.

Launched in 2002, the luxurious vessel has made regular appearances in Greenwich with its most recent visits being in 2013 and 2011.

The 196-metre long ship has 165 apartments on board which are owned by the ship’s residents. Reports say that the most exclusive suites on board cost $13million.

Some of the facilities on board include restaurants, a grocery store, golf simulator and putting green, jogging track, swimming pool and tennis court.

The World sailed up the Thames yesterday morning, arriving at her moorings at Greenwich shortly after midday. She is due to depart on Friday morning at 4am.

The next stops on the ship’s itinerary are Belle Isle, off Brittany, followed by Spain and Portugal.

Photographs of The World arriving in London

The World transits through the Thames Barrier

Iconic London landmarks come into view such as Canary Wharf and the O2.

The World last visited London in 2013.

Watching the World go by: a couple of spectators at Primrose Pier, Greenwich.

Having been turned around near the O2, The World is assisted backwards in to Greenwich by two tugs.

The ship passes Enderby Wharf where London City Cruise Port is planned for.

Two Greenwich landmarks – the ORNC and the Trafalgar Tavern – seen behind the ship.

Knights do battle at Eltham Palace’s annual joust

June 21, 2016 By Greenwich.co.uk

HISTORIC Eltham Palace has once again played host to the Grand Medieval Joust.

Knights representing the north, south, east and west displayed their skilfulness and equestrianism in a thrilling battle at the tilt yard on the meadow behind Eltham Palace last Saturday and Sunday.

As well as the display of the middle age’s most extreme sport, thousands of visitors across the weekend enjoyed expert falconry, a fascinating re-enactment camp and the playful antics of jester, Peterkin.

The SE9 palace combines a beautiful medieval great hall with a stunning Art Deco mansion built by the Courtauld family in the 1930s.

Forthcoming events at Eltham Palace this summer include a series of Lazy Jazz Sundays and a number of activities aimed at younger visitors during the school holidays.

See upcoming events at Eltham Palace

Photos from the Eltham Palace Medieval Joust

Sailors man Cutty Sark yards to welcome Viking Sea cruise ship to Greenwich

May 7, 2016 By Greenwich.co.uk

DOZENS of sailors dressed in red manned the yards of Cutty Sark on Thursday to welcome the cruise ship Viking Sea to Greenwich.

The brand new ship sailed up the Thames that morning in beautiful sunshine to moor at Greenwich Ship Tier for her christening ceremony.

227-metre long Viking Sea, sister ship to Viking Star which visited last year, is the largest cruise ship to ever be christened in London. The naming ceremony took place later on Thursday with celebratory fireworks lighting up the sky shortly after 10pm.

The ship was turned around in Blackwall Reach and towed backwards into Greenwich, passing Enderby Wharf where the planned cruise terminal is now subject to a Judicial Review following a local campaign.

Viking Sea is the first ship to moor at the PLA’s floating cruise terminal Welcome since repairs were carried out earlier in the spring. Viking Sea left Greenwich at 1pm on Friday and will return to the capital in June.

More Photos of Viking Sea

A tug shoots water in to the air to welcome Viking Sea through the Thames Barrier

People to stopped watch the large ship sail up the Thames, although she is officially classed as a small cruise ship.

Viking Sea pictured behind the Queen’s House and Old Royal Naval College – this photo appeared in Friday’s Guardian.

Viking Sea is the second of six cruise ships planned by Viking River Cruises.

The ship’s christening was marked by fireworks shortly after 10pm on Thursday night. Photo by Vickie Flores.

Viking Sea pictured leaving London the day after her naming ceremony.

Artist’s vision of heritage ship at Dowell’s Wharf

May 2, 2016 By Greenwich.co.uk

AN OLD wharf off Deptford Creek could become home to a heritage ship, if an artist’s plans are realised.

Well known local artist Peter Kent believes that Dowell’s Wharf outside Waitrose in west Greenwich is the perfect place to put a historic ship.

Kent, known for his distinctive drawing style and his love of the river, unveiled the idea in a recent article on his blog, River Watch Returns.

Further explaining his vision for the area to Greenwich.co.uk, he commented:

“It’s the natural entrance to Greenwich. It celebrates the past as well as the new. No one’s aware there’s a waterfront there as they whizz across the bridge. I feel this would be a landmark project within walking distance of the town centre.”

The topographical artist, who has received commissions for work from Trinity House and the Port of London Authority amongst others, thinks a significant vessel would be best suited to the currently empty space and has suggested a historic lightship or a coaster ship.

Kent has previously suggested that the Queen’s row barge Gloriana could be based at the site on top of a barge but it now looks likely that vessel will have a new, permanent home in Kingston upon Thames.

Dowell’s Wharf, adjacent to the recently-built apartments at New Capital Quay, was previously known as Creek Bridge Wharf. It was used for unloading coal by William Dowell and Company which is where it, and nearby Dowell Street, get their names from.

Deptford Creek was once a bustling part of the industrial river with various wharves in operation but the only remaining one still in use is Brewery Wharf which receives regular visits from Prior boats carrying sand.

Would you like to see a heritage ship sited at Dowell’s Wharf?

Panoramic view of Dowell’s Wharf

Coal was previously unloaded here by the merchant William Dowell and Company

Much rubbish currently finds itself washed into the area.

1867 map showing Creek Bridge Wharf. Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland