Planners move to demolish HQ

11:32am Tuesday 21st June 2005

COUNCIL planning bosses are set to approve the demolition of their own headquarters.

Plans have been announced to bulldoze Greenwich Council's offices at Peggy Middleton House, Woolwich New Road, Woolwich, to make way for a mixed-use scheme.

The proposed development which will see the town getting new community facilities, a new library and affordable housing includes a civic headquarters for the council.

There are also plans for a new Tesco supermarket on the 8.5-acre site.

The existing offices which house many of the council's key departments, including its planning division were built in 1972.

But Woolwich Common United Tenants Association says it is time the "ugly" building was knocked down.

Committee member Frances Doran said: "It is great news, particularly about the supermarket.

"It's about time we had a new one in Woolwich.

"There is a lot which needs doing in Woolwich and it is good to see some development and money being spent."

However Mrs Doran believes the investment should be spread more evenly across the borough.

She added: "We need more done for our housing estates and better facilities for the kids.

"The investment shouldn't just be in the town centre."

It was announced last week Greenwich Council has signed a deal with financiers St James's Investments to look more closely at the possible regeneration.

Council leader Councillor Chris Roberts said: "We have a firm commitment to the continued regeneration of our borough and the complete modernisation of our public services.

"With thousands of new homes being built in the town centre, DLR coming to Woolwich and we hope a new Crossrail station too, we are now witnessing record levels of investment in Woolwich."

St James' managing director Christopher Borkowski says the scheme will cement Woolwich as a "key part" of the Thames Gateway development.

Architect ColladoCollins is drawing up designs for the site.

No date has been set for the demolition of Peggy Middleton House.