London property investors take note! With a micro-brewery and farmers' market already established and a new cultural quarter in the pipeline, there's no doubt that Woolwich has earned its status as London’s new property hotspot. The magic word here is “Crossrail”: after 2018 the new Elizabeth Line will transport Woolwich residents to Canary Wharf in eight minutes and to Bond Street in 22 minutes.
Woolwich has a proud military and sporting history. Arsenal, the Premier League football team now based in Islington, took its name from the Woolwich Arsenal, a vast factory that manufactured armaments for British forces for over 250 years. Today a £1.2 billion scheme has re-imagined the site as 'Royal Arsenal Riverside'. New uses have been found for its listed period buildings and thousands of new homes have been created here, making this exciting riverside destination the go-to spot for serious property investors. Woolwich town centre has also been revitalised, with a new public square, library, civic offices and a large Tesco store.
Are you looking to invest in new homes? Find finest new homes for sale here.
This is a family-friendly area, with three children's play centres, green spaces and plenty of riverside walks. Educational provision is excellent and parents can choose between state run and independent schools. Many primary schools in Woolwich have been judged 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, and the area also has some highly rated secondary schools.
Attractions in Woolwich include the Greenwich Heritage Centre, the Firepower Royal Artillery Museum and the Thames Barrier (with a children's play area and exhibition). At weekends, head to the Dial Arch or Guard House pubs for some light refreshment or sample a craft beer at Hop Stuff. Enjoy a riverside stroll or visit the popular Farmers' Market, which attracts over 2,000 customers every fortnight.
Currently DLR trains run from Woolwich Arsenal (in Zone 4) to Bank and Canary Wharf (change at Canning Town for the Jubilee Line), while trains from Woolwich Arsenal and Woolwich Dockyard go to Cannon Street, via London Bridge. Other Woolwich travel links include a regular Thames Clipper service that runs to Canary Wharf and London Bridge.
Woolwich is an historic riverside destination offering great value for money and a relaxed lifestyle. Having long been described as an “up and coming” area, there is no doubt that it has now well and truly arrived.
