Unanimous Planning Approval for Mixed-Use Development in Woolwich

Studio Moren proudly shares that the Royal Borough of Greenwich has unanimously granted planning permission for a mixed-use scheme at Riverside House in Woolwich on behalf of MDPL Group and City Inc.
Located at the prominent corner of Woolwich High Street and Beresford Street, Riverside House holds a key position adjacent to the rapidly evolving Royal Arsenal Riverside masterplan.
The approved plans will transform the site, which currently comprises two interconnected buildings, into a vibrant mixed-use development. Central to the scheme is the removal of the existing connection between the buildings to create a new urban pathway. This design introduces a dynamic public realm that improves connectivity between the Woolwich Arsenal site and Woolwich’s urban centre.
“This approval marks a pivotal moment for the regeneration of Woolwich town centre, revitalising a large underutilised site with an ambitious and thoughtfully designed scheme. We are immensely proud to be part of this journey and look forward to progressing with our clients.”
The retained buildings will be converted and extended, forming a 17-storey Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) tower and a 7-storey hotel. The scheme will deliver 332 student rooms, 50% of which will be affordable, alongside extensive communal amenities. The 265-room hotel will cater to a diverse range of guests with a mix of standard, family, accessible, and extended-stay suites, as well as a publicly accessible restaurant and bar. Additionally, the development includes two commercial retail units designed to integrate seamlessly with the new public realm.
The public realm has been sensitively coordinated by Studio Bosk, prioritising safe and comfortable pedestrian movement while providing inviting spaces for relaxation.
This landscaped area significantly enhances the site’s Biodiversity Net Gain and aligns with the overarching sustainability objectives. Working alongside Applied Energy (MEP) and Meinhardt (Structural Engineers), the project focuses on retaining primary structural elements to conserve embodied carbon, introducing sustainable energy-efficient methods, and designing facades that respond to their urban context while minimising solar gain and overheating.
The project is set to enter the development stage, with completion anticipated in 2027.
“We are looking forward to continuing to work with our fantastic project team to deliver Riverside House and redevelop this site for both its future residents and Woolwich as a whole. This project will bring new life to the streetscape and provide the local area with a vibrant place to visit and enjoy."