Multi-million pound Woolwich revival to bring around 500 jobs
12:41pm Wednesday 13th June 2012 in Where I Live By Sarah Trotter
An artist’s impression of Woolwich Central
A MULTI-MILLION pound development is set to bring more than 500 jobs and around 960 homes to Woolwich as part of the town’s revival.
With skyline views over London, the buildings are part of a boost to Woolwich which saw the Woolwich Centre's library and services centre open last year and the revamping of General Gordon Square.
One of the country’s larger Tesco stores will open on the 1.4m square foot site of Woolwich Central in November along with three-hour parking spaces and six other shops.
The supermarket giant will create 350 to 500 jobs for local people of which it is predicted a third are currently unemployed.
The final beam was laid to the massive structure on June 12 and house-buyers can expect the first 259 homes to be ready by the end of 2013.
At the ceremony, Minister for Olympics Legacy and Thames Gateway Bob Neill said: "This scheme has provided jobs for local workers, much-needed homes and a wonderful new retail centre.
"It will be a new retail footfall into the town."
Tesco's developers Spenhill say Woolwich Central will encourage visitors and homebuyers into the town creating more money for local businesses.
Speaking to Woolwich market traders, some fear the new superstore will hamper their trade while others welcome the competition.
Fruit and vegetable market stall licensee Derek Williams said: "We have already got a Sainsbury’s and Lidl’s - it won’t affect us much. It might even bring a few extra people in. They couldn’t compete with our prices on a regular basis.
"We will still serve the same people we have always served. There are so many different nationalities here – a lot of people grew up with markets, not big stores and they like to see the freshness."
Leader of Greenwich Council Cllr Chris Roberts welcomed the development saying it was vital to the revival of Woolwich.
Cllr Roberts said: "It really is transforming the heart of Woolwich and the town centre is starting to look very different with high quality new modern buildings.
"Of course, Woolwich still retains its unique characteristics too – its rich history alongside the hustle and bustle of our vibrant town centre."
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