Greenwich Peninsula London SE10 area guide

Greenwich Peninsula, SE10

Greenwich Peninsula is a modern South East London riverside district in the Royal Borough of Greenwich known for the iconic Millennium Dome and a string of stylish developments along the Thames. The area covers the distinctive peninsula between historic Greenwich and the neighbourhood of New Charlton. On the opposite side of the Greenwich Peninsula, on the north banks of the Thames, are the Isle of Dogs and Silvertown. The district is wrapped by the river on three sides and is part of the London Thames Estuary Growth and Regeneration area.

Greenwich Peninsula has evolved significantly over the last 20 years. The old industrial wasteland has been transformed into a popular London location affording a more relaxed lifestyle and excellent range of contemporary town amenities.

History

At the end of the 19^th century, the Greenwich Peninsula was a vast marshland with wildlife and fisheries. In 1897 the Blackwall Tunnel was opened linking the peninsula with the industrial Docklands along the north banks of the Thames. After that, the district flourished with the opening of large gasworks outlets and heavy manufacturing plants producing bronze, asbestos and animal feeds. By the 1980s many of those industries became obsolete forcing manufacturers to depart from the district.

Greenwich Millennium Village was the first residential development project on the peninsula launched in 1997. It heralded a transformation for the 300 acres of reclaimed industrial land on the peninsula. In 2000, Richard Rodgers designed O2 (Millennium Dome) opened to the public. After 20 years of radical urban interventions, Greenwich Peninsula emerged as a vibrant southeast waterfront location. Today, the district offers a contemporary riverside town setting with varied residential property types, excellent employment opportunities, and many accessible public spaces. Although the Millennium Dome is its main bold landmark, the district is well-known for its high-rise cutting-edge waterfront architecture such as the Upper Riverside development and the wonderfully colorful public realms of Peninsula Square and the Design District.

Silvertown Tunnel is the latest, key transport investment project linking the Greenwich Peninsula and Silvertown. The new road tunnel is planned to open in 2025. It will reduce traffic congestion in the area and improve cross-river bus journeys.

Greenwich Peninsula has been identified as one of the major London investment opportunity areas in the Mayor’s London Plan since 2004. The district is set to deliver over 17,000 new homes, 15,000 new jobs and over 48 acres of open public space by 2041.

Culture:

Greenwich Peninsula is known as a creative East London residential environment that welcomes cultural diversity and attracts many artists from the UK and abroad. Greenwich Peninsula district generates year-round events, festivals, and exhibitions open to the public. It is home to the O2, the music, entertainment and leisure venue housed under the iconic Millennium Dome.

Architects, Designers, painters, charities and other creative practices enjoy modern facilities in the sought-after Design District which comprises varied purpose-built studios set in 16 new buildings. Attached to the District is the highly-rated Ravensbourne University London which has strong links to the creative industries.

Contemporary art from paintings to sculpture is displayed in two main galleries: the Now Gallery and Firepit Art Gallery. Art workshops run regularly in both galleries and are open to residents willing to gain new creative skills. The Art Trail, an outdoor public art and sculpture exhibition winding throughout the district, comprises 17 pieces of art for including works by Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst to Yinka Shonibare.

Handmade and locally manufactured artisan food and craft products are introduced at the Greenwich Peninsula Market which is open every week on Saturday and Sunday. In May, at the start of the summer season, a large Urban Village Fete takes place as a party that brings all residents together.

The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park is a large local nature and wildlife oasis set in the heart of the district. The park comprises a freshwater habitat, a small woodland and a wildflower meadow boasting a variety of wildlife. Visitors have access to a lake’s gatehouse and a large boardwalk.

Greenwich Peninsula outdoor attractions include Peninsula Park and a long stretch of the Thames Path linking the O2, North Greenwich Pier, and Eco Park to the Royal Greenwich.

Greenwich Peninsula developments

Enderby Wharf

Greenwich Millennium Village

Morden Wharf

Upper Riverside

Transport (Zone 2/3)

Underground:

North Greenwich Underground Station for Jubilee line services to Canary Wharf and Stratford, London Bridge and Westminster

Boat:

Greenwich Pier for riverboat services by Uber to Woolwich, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Westminster

Bus:

North Greenwich bus station for buses to Greenwich Park, Blackheath Village, Stratford and Tottenham Court Road and Central London