A COUNCIL has unveiled the second phase in the £6m regeneration of a town centre.

So far in Woolwich, pavements have been widened to create more space, trees have been planted and new crossings have been installed.

The next stage of the Government and Transport for London funded project will be further improvements to General Gordon Square and Beresford Square, due to begin next month, with work lasting for a year.

Greenwich and Woolwich MP Nick Raynsford said the improvements would help people “walk around the town centre in safety”.

He said: “It’s already had an impact on the quality of people’s lives.”

Deputy leader of Greenwich Council Cllr Peter Brooks explained that under the square plans, the whole area will become predestrianised and the market will be refurbished with new stalls and overhead lighting.

General Gordon Square will be given new granite benches alongside a new water feature and it will be given a more “open” feel, making it feel safer to walk through.

Cllr Brooks explained: ”It’s an open space which can be used by the community. There’s no reason why we couldn’t have night time activities going on there and schools putting shows on.”

He said this was an important step to regenerate Woolwich, with further plans in progress to redevelop the housing estates Connaught, Morris Walk and Maryon Grove, along the same model as is being used for Kidbrooke’s Ferrier Estate.

He said: “It’s all being built through the recession. We have a viewpoint that we keep building and the recession shouldn’t stop us.”

Earlier this month, the town centre project was awarded for its contribution to the community at the London Civil Engineering Awards, organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers.

It was praised by judges, who said: “Despite the economic downturn a vibrancy had returned to the town”.