The architects for the new £31m creative district set to be built at the historic Royal Arsenal have shared their vision for the area.

The Woolwich Creative District will turn the old ammunition factories into buildings for the arts, such as a theatre, orchestra arena, open-air performance courtyard, and rehearsal studios.

The award-winning architects Bennetts Associates have been chosen by Greenwich Council to transform the area into the tourist attraction and new heart for the arts in the borough.

Rab Bennetts, founding director of Bennetts Associates, said: “It is a privilege to be designing one of the most significant cultural projects in the UK.

“Converting the historic Woolwich Arsenal buildings into a series of vibrant performing arts venues could hardly be more rewarding.

“We are excited at the prospect of seeing this fascinating part of London establish its place on the cultural map of Europe.”

The plans include a a 4,000 seater performance theatre for orchestras, a 450-seat black box theatre, and a 600-seat outdoor performance area.

Leader of Greenwich Council, Cllr Denise Hyland said: “We are really looking forward to seeing how the plans are fully worked up and it’s brilliant that we can feed in the views of local people as it all takes shape. These buildings are truly unique and are perfectly positioned on the Thames riverfront.

“They will ultimately form a fantastic facility that will attract people from far and wide to Woolwich as well as providing lots of new jobs for local people.

“This exciting project will bring a new creative hub to the area cementing our reputation as a destination of culture and we know the economic argument for creating jobs in this sector is sound.”