Plans for the first phase of a multi-million-pound regeneration scheme in Woolwich are set to be approved by councillors.

Greenwich Council last year announced a £31m redevelopment of five listed Royal Arsenal buildings to create a creative district – and planning permission is now set to be given the go-ahead next week.

The historic wartime buildings have been earmarked for regeneration into a creative area claimed to rival the Southbank Centre and the Battersea redevelopment.

These plans relate to three listed buildings within the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, known as the Cartridge Factory, the Royal Laboratory Offices and the Gun Carriage Shop.

The scheme has been split into two phases – the first featuring temporary theatres and basic repair work to the historical buildings and then phase two which would include long-term upgrades.

Temporary tenants would move into the laboratory and factory buildings for up to five years before a more permanent transformation.

The majority of the works are related to the interiors of the listed buildings, however part of the wider scheme would involve the demolition of the Firepower museum to be replaced with a theatre of around 400-450 seats plus a lobby and bar.

Once redeveloped, the creative district will feature a courtyard, rehearsal spaces, theatres and bars and community areas and space for pop-up markets similar to spaces in Madrid and Paris.

Last month eyebrows were raised over the sudden closure of the heritage centre at the Royal Arsenal, but it has since been confirmed there will be space for the centre at the revamped creative district.

According to officers’ reports, the redevelopment could bring up to 136 full time jobs to Woolwich, with up to 200 extra people taken on during events.

Planning experts at the council said: “The proposed development is anticipated to deliver economic and social benefits to the Woolwich  town centre area through the provision of additional jobs and a creative and performance arts district.

“The proposed redevelopment of the three listed buildings is considered as an enhancement to the application site as overall the proposals protect, retain

and enhance heritage features of the existing buildings, and do not result in an adverse impact on the setting of nearby heritage assets.”

The ammunitions factory would be the largest performance venue, with room for upwards of 2,000 people, as well as serving as a space for pop-up markets and exhibitions.

There will be room for weddings and rehearsal studios, as well as community areas, bars, a theatre box and a “flexible cultural venue”.

Councillors will debate the application next Tuesday, August 7.