Woolwich in South-East London is known for and home to a diverse and multicultural community, constantly developing with the opening of a large Tesco hypermarket, the DLR Crossrail, construction of new modern apartments and has been going through a long process of regeneration throughout the last few years. But how has this impacted the local residents of Woolwich, positively and negatively?
Speaking to a local resident, Laya Prasai, gave us an insight into this question. “ An increase in the local economy has occurred - more businesses are established in the area as well as other facilities and shops, such as Tesco and the Better gym which are available right on our doorstep, ” I asked him if the development had affected him negatively. “ Certainly, ” he replied “ As more homes are built people flock to the area and house prices increase - when I moved here in 2007 rent was just over £1000, it has drastically changed since then, increasing to £5000. I have seen how this has affected more deprived people, they are unable to afford the rent and therefore are forced to relocate. In addition, they have recently introduced a parking permit on my street as the population increases. ”
To obtain a better understanding of the effects of regeneration, I enquired on how it had influenced his children's lives. He stated, “ Schools become overcrowded and as a result of this I was forced to enroll my children in a school located in Eltham due to a lack of spaces. ”
Riju Prasai
Eltham Hill School
