← Woolwich Town Centre← Woolwich Town Centre

We’ve had the privilege of working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, leading a multi-disciplinary team on a range of projects that celebrate the vitality and history of Powis and Hare Streets in Woolwich. Together, we’ve introduced fresh shopfronts, striking artwork, new public spaces, and a heritage walk that brings to life this vibrant part of the city. Every project has been shaped in close partnership with the community, capturing the energy and ambitions that define Woolwich’s unique cultural tapestry.

Working closely with local shopkeepers, we co-designed twelve shopfront improvements that have revitalised the high street. By establishing objectives and key priorities together, we elevated each shop’s presence to reflect the dynamism of the business owners themselves. Many shopkeepers have shared since the completion of the projects the positive impact of these transformations on their businesses, with some even having to hire additional staff to handle increased footfall. New customers and compliments on the refreshed look have become regular occurrences for them, reinforcing the positive change.

These improvements come at a critical time for Woolwich, a neighbourhood on the cusp of significant transformation. With the recent Elizabeth line extension and redevelopment at Woolwich Arsenal, local businesses face mounting pressure to adapt. Providing shopkeepers with the tools to navigate these changes was central to our approach, ensuring the updated shopfronts met their aspirations while appealing to both new and existing customers.

Beyond the shopfronts, we developed an activation strategy that celebrates Woolwich’s rich cultural heritage. This includes a heritage walk with commemorative plaques and a network of murals created in collaboration with local artists and school children, complemented by public realm enhancements that bring fresh energy to the bustling high street.

This project has been about envisioning together with the community a future for the high streets — a future where local stories, cultural heritage, and collective enthusiasm guide how our streets evolve. The toolkit we’ve developed from this work offers future businesses and planners a roadmap to imagine streets that are sustainable, inclusive, generous and reflective of local values, ensuring diverse and welcoming spaces for all.