SPS 2142 Multi-Disciplinary Services - Woolwich Leisure Centre

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is developing a site in the centre of Woolwich for a new Leisure Centre with a residential element. The Leisure Centre, which will replace the existing Waterfront Leisure Centre, will be delivered by the Council, whereas current plans for the residential element are to be developed in outline for the planning submission, and then either sold or delivered with a development partner once planning has been received. A hybrid planning application is therefore proposed with the Leisure Centre element being a detailed application and the residential in outline. This development represents a significant investment by the Council in a key location, and as such the Council has high aspirations, and has set the following priorities for the project: The scheme is to provide a meaningful mixed-use development that creates a high quality of public realm, with an important objective to contribute to regeneration in Woolwich Town Centre. It will: • Act as a flagship building for the redevelopment of Woolwich Town Centre and make it a new destination to visit and enjoy • Be a safe, welcoming, and meaningful public space at ground floor level should anchor the new development and provide valuable public amenity. Public spaces are to be designed to take advantage, where possible, of direct sun-light, and be overlooked for passive monitoring. Blank facades at ground level are to be avoided • Complement existing routes around the site, and where possible improve access and connection. • Have clear and legible entrances to all buildings from the public realm. • Provide additional opportunities for the residents of the borough to be more active and, over time, reduce the numbers of children and adults who are currently overweight and obese • Improve the local evening and leisure offer, boosting the local economy and employing local residents • Provide state of the art/ modern facilities with swimming, sport and physical activity opportunities with fixed gym equipment and a range of other physical activity experiences, along with a Sky Bar and café • Involves the relocation of the Waterfront Leisure Centre to the site, but otherwise does not deal with the Waterfront site • Be a significant family destination, with the pool being a large leisure water facility • Include retail, leisure, and possible office provision • Include a reasonable level of new homes should be provided on the site, in keeping with the highest PTAL levels, to help meet the Council's housing targets and support the viability of the development