Report this comment
  • "Leaving aside the fact that Developers do not care a fig about history, this proposed development is way OTT. We are continually being told that the UK economy is in crisis, so where is the money coming from to build another Canary Wharf? More importantly, who is going to be able to afford to live or work there?"
  • This field is mandatory
  • This field is mandatory

  • Please note we will not accept reports with HTML tags or URLs in them.


  • Enter the above word in the box below

Please be fair, courteous and respectful to the views of others so we can build a vibrant community in a safe online environment. You are personal liable for your comments and action will be taken against anyone who offends, ridicules or posts malicious and damaging views. If you wish to complain, please contact us.

Convoys Wharf development set to change Deptford's riverside forever

4:46pm Friday 2nd September 2011 in News By Mark Chandler

An artist's impression of Convoys Wharf An artist's impression of Convoys Wharf

A LONG-DELAYED £1bn development could change the riverside view from Lewisham and Greenwich forever.

Convoys Wharf in Deptford is set to include 3,514 new homes, around 500 of which will be affordable, along with shops, a river bus and wharf. It also includes blocks of 40, 32 and 26 storeys.

Originally granted outline planning consent by a Lewisham Council board in 2005, the new planning application shows cultural and community space has been scaled back in favour of more restaurants, a hotel and service apartments.

Back in 2005 the Creekside Forum formed a group called Convoys Opportunity, campaigning for greater recognition of the site’s history.

Forum secretary Bill Ellson said: “It’s the same old same old. In reality there’s no major difference in what they’re putting forward.

“The difference between now and six years ago is that the planning policy agenda has moved against them.”

He added: “It’s deathly dull and totally unimaginative.

“It’s still too high, too large and with a tiny amount of affordable housing.”

The 40-acre site, half of which has safeguarded wharf status, was home to the first Royal Dockyard, remnants of which are believed to remain.

It also holds the Grade II listed Olympia Warehouse and includes part of the former Sayes Court Estate - home to John Evelyn and once used by Russia’s Peter the Great.

Mr Ellson said: “They’re talking about preserving the Olympia building but they’ve got to do that anyway. Otherwise there’s little or no regard for the history of the site there.”

A spokesman for developer Hutchinson Whampoa said: "Convoys Wharf will bring a range of new opportunities to the Borough – places to live, to work, to relax and a chance to enjoy Deptford's fantastic riverside for the first time in a generation."

"With regards the level of affordable housing, recent Government reductions in grant funding for affordable housing has been severely cut back, so Hutchison Whampoa and L&Q – our affordable housing partners - will be paying for these homes entirely from within the development costs."

People in the area can comment on the application, available at convoyswharf.com, by emailing planning@lewisham.gov.uk The deadline is September 27.

Local Businesses

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree