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The charity which owns most of central Greenwich is seeking planning permission to demolish the town's historic market and replace it with a “Bluewater-like” precinct.
The scheme has split the community with local MP, Nick Raynsford, and some traders in favour of the proposal but other councillors, businesses and residents against it.
The existing market, including its roof and Victorian cobbled floor, would be removed with the 20 small shops which flank it. In its place would be a smaller modern market, with a plastic or membrane roof and “pushchair-friendly” paving, surrounded by contemporary shops and a 104-bedroom hotel.
Martin Sands, director of Greenwich Hospital, the charity which owns the site, said the scheme would “regenerate” the town and “retain the character of the market” with independent traders, rather than chains, favoured as the new shops.
But Spencer Drury, leader of the opposition on Greenwich council, described the plan as “aesthetic vandalism” of a major tourist attraction which was “not in keeping” with the historic town, one of four Unesco World Heritage sites in London.
“Ripping out the cobbles seems to me to be completely wrong,” he said. “The materials of the new buildings do not seem in keeping with the image of Greenwich. I am concerned we will end up with a town centre that is a giant building site.” Greenwich is facing five separate redevelopment or improvement schemes in the run-up to the Olympics. Some of Greenwich Park will be closed for 10 months to host the 2012 equestrian events.
None of the buildings to be demolished, which date from the 19th century to the Fifties, are listed, although the market roof is locally listed. Mr Raynsford said the roof was “clapped out” and the new development would be a “real enhancement”. He dismissed concerns about the removal of heritage buildings and cobbles as “nitpicking”.
But Paul Trynka, a resident who is campaigning against the proposals, said: “We are stripping out the richness and texture and replacing it with something like Bluewater. Every person I've spoken to is outraged.”
If the plans are approved, a temporary smaller market will be set up in the grounds of the Royal Naval College to tide stallholders over during the two-year construction period.
Traders in the market, in College Approach, spoken to by the Standard said they were concerned. “It's a bit sterile,” said Stephen Chong, of Greenlands health food store. “I can see that some refurbishment is necessary, but not at the expense of changing the whole feeling and ambience of the market.”
A spokesman for Greenwich Hospital said the plans had been “extensively consulted on”, with regular newsletters to residents. He said three-quarters of visitors to a consultation exhibition staged by the developers had expressed support for the scheme.
The plans must now be approved by Greenwich council and Mayor Boris Johnson. Campaigners for the market hope Mr Johnson's decision last week to save the popular Queen's Market in Newham could set a precedent for Greenwich.
Reader views (30)
I'm amazed at the how disappointing Greenwich town centre generally has become in the last ten years or so. Every new development has been a shocking eyesore or just mundane rubbish. There's hardly a pub that hasn't been snatched up and wrecked by Greenwich Inc. The place is reeling with noise and traffic. Now the park is to be damaged by the all powerful London Olympics which very few Londoners wanted in London in the first place. As for the market proposals, why does everything have to torn down when it works fine at the moment? Greenwich residents should fight to preserve their town. Why do people have so little say in what happens to their area?
- Harry Bennett, London UK
I visited this great part of greenwich today, and was very impressed with the quality of the shops that surround the indoor market. I was horrified to learn of the pending application to demolish this wonderful place.
We have enough modern shopping centers surrounding south east london, I have seen over the years Sevenoaks attemp to modernise the town, we now have the usual dull phase eight, monsoon and laura ashley etc. with very few individual boutiques and interesting shops selling unique gifts and clothing.
I also live quite near to bluewater and am so bored with what the shops there have to offer, which is basically cheaply made garments, trying to be sold at rediculous prices, no wonder it is so quiet. This part of greenwich has so much to offer, not too mention the tourism it generates.
Please no more dull high street chain shops selling sweat shops garments, in times of economic downturn we should look to support our local traders and small businesses, the high street shops cannot compete with the originality of the shops and market traders in greenwich. Perhaps an online petition should be started.
- Mb, Sevenoaks
Hands off Greenwich Market, I say. There are plenty of homogenous, souless shopping centres in this country, why this compulsion to make everywhere look the same! Surely a town like Greenwich needs to retain it's individuality, it's the very reason for tourists to continue to visit. So, here's my plea,keep your cobbles and your old world charm and keep the developers out - they have only one interest in Greenwich and that is to make as much money for themselves as possible. Don't let it happen!
- J Thompson, St Margarets Bay, Kent
I agree that Greenwich Market probably needs to be updated to a certain extent but not if it means losing the charm and historic feel it currently has. We already have Bluewater, Westfield, Lakeside and other bland out of town shopping areas which I am happy to travel to and use. However, Greenwich is already a busy interesting area attracting tourists and people in search of quirky unusual items to buy, small cafes and unusual shops. I chose to live in this part of London to enjoy the open spaces and historic past. I regularly wander through Greenwich and allow my imagination to take me to other times. The sounds of the music coming from the College, the passing boats and ships, the filmsets and crew that are regularly working,the numerous weddings that take place with such a dramatic backdrop. I could go on. Please do not let the developers present us with yet more offensive eye sore'improvements'that they are wont to slap on this beautiful city. Please let us retain some corner which is allowed to remain untouched by modern monstrosities which we are told, in a patronising way by those in power, that we 'need', to live in the 21st century. Thank you Evening Standard for bringing this issue to the attention of all Londoners.
- Litsa Breingan, Deptford
I think losing Greenwich market would be the beginning of the end for this very attractive part of the city not only would it be bad for the locals but also would be a loss to all the tourists who bring much needed business to our capital.
- M Thompson, Dover England
I am very against turning Greenwich market into another Bluewater. Greenwich market is unique and this country needs diversity and more small individual shops and stall it all ready had too much of the same. We certainly do not need another Bluewater in inner London at the moment Greenwich still has a village feel about it along with the park - a Blue Water would take that all away from it. I would like everybody to rise up and vote no to this proposed scheme - who wants more shops of sameness NOT ME.
- Lynne Mclaren, London
I dont like the plans and did protest at the "Public Consultation" (which appeared to be attended by non residents). I find it incredible that Greenwich is being turned into a building site - can those in charge not see that residents currently have no access to the Pier, limited access to the Maritime museum, no access to the Cutty Sark, limited access to the Naval College (the visitor's centre) and we have lost one of the well attended weekend markets. We have a public right of way (footpath near the Post Office) that has been closed for over a year to allow a private development to take place. I am very grateful to the Evening Standard for at least exposing what I think is a disgrace that all Londers need to be made aware of.
- Catey, Greenwich
If Greenwich Market and the surrounding area is demolished and rebuilt in the style planned, there will be no character left in Greenwich. The plans look like a swedish sauna with a plastic roof. I'm not against a bit of a clean up but why does it have to be so radical? The roof can be replaced in a victorian style like Borough Market. Surely the cost of this would be better spent sorting out the congested roads and pollution instead. What's the point of building a hotel on that particular site? There's a vacant area already, where the outdoor market used to be before that was closed two months ago. Nick Raynsford should support the one part of Greenwich that gives it its character. If he doesn't then he doesn't know his constituency. I say "Come and visit Greenwich soon, especially the market, before its gone".
- Julie, Greenwich, London
This country needs diversity.
You can never replace this area.
It provides for an quality of life not possible in surroundings with no historic atmosphere.
Greenwich market is unique.
Let the nation rise up against this proposed vandalism.
Which large corporation is hoping to profit from this sacrilage?
People of Greenwich rise up to protect your heritage!
- Ms Sylvia Gray, Bn25 3nq, seaford
This has depressed me beyond belief. Greenwich market with its quirky cobbles make it something authentic and different to the sterile shopping malls we already have plenty of. The proposed plans are souless and unsympathetic to the area. There is nothing unique about them which is what Greenwich is all about and makes it so special.
Update and repair if needs be but please don't change it into some boring, plastic, uninspiring market that will leave its visitors and traders cold.
- Sarah, Greenwich
This can't be allowed to happen, it's a crime!
- Goggs, London
While they're at it, why not also concrete and whe it rains I get all wet.
Speaking of wet, there's that awful, messy damp patch to be dealt with too... what's it called again? Oh yes, The Thames. We don't need that, after all it certainly isn't "pushchair-friendly"!
- Peter, London
A great idea.
There are no proper shops at Greenwich and if they build tall enough they can put some flats on top. Lets face it this place is the other side of the river from a great modern complex so it really will only be part of that area anyway, eventually.
Trouble is there are far too many middle class and old people that want to keep things as they are rather than let younger people have their needs met, they are way too selfish in the matter of development.
Pull it down, be quick about it as it's no great loss !
- Jez, London
So Greenwich is to be turned into yet another sterile, carbon copy shopping centre? Such a shame. They've already closed the other section of the market in Greenwich and plans are afoot to turn it into yet more overpriced flats which no one wants to buy.
- Mcw, London
Good luck to the Blue water plans. London like the rest of the UK is being dragged kicking and screaming in to the 21st, Century.
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK
Don't say it's just been lobbied by the "new mummies and daddies" so it's pushchair friendly?? It's been pushchair friendly for all the years I've known it (nearly 50)and managed quite well with older types of prams - and wheelchairs. Get a proper pushchair with suspension and no worries................
- Jackie, Surrey
these people simply don't have a clue...'Bluewater' ? Greenwich has been ruined enough already.
- Squiz, Islington
Good idea - these NIMBYs cling stupidly to pointless history. Making money is where its at. After Greenwich, how about modernising Stonehenge? What Salisbury Plain needs is a big shopping centre with a massive car park to boot.
- C.Nichol, London
"it's no wonder London is seen by many tourists as a dirty and shabby city." - Darren, London
London is seen by many more tourists as having character. Who want's another Bluewater clone? Britain's high streets are already homogenous, Greenwich market is unique and should be preserved. Do people want the blandness that is America over here?
- Jo, London
The plans hardly look like 'vandalism'. In fact, comparing the photos before and after it looks like nothing more than giving the market a spruce up with some new paving and a roof replacing the rather tatty flooring and shabby roof. At what point does the market fall so far into disrepair that the locals will accept it needs a refurbishment? With their current attitude of 'never!' it's no wonder London is seen by many tourists as a dirty and shabby city.
- Darren, London
They've already driven out the antique type book and print shops for which Greenwich was well known. They really are not fit to be in charge of such a sensitive site!
- Chris, Brighton, England
No! It can't change. I go to Greenwich Market at least once a month and love it the way it is. It has such a feel to it, unspoilt, oldy-worldy, relaxed - why do people want to change it?? Tourist visit this part of London because of it's historic content, leave it that way, we have enough shopping centres, leave Greenwich alone!!!
- Fiona, Greenwich, London
Greenwich is such a lovely unspoiled part of London and a great favourite of ours in which to spend a day when we are in the capital. The quaint market with individual stall holders selling unique items is an intrinsic part of the charm of Greenwich and I absolutely cannot understand why anyone would want to change this to something modern. I remember signing a petition several years ago to keep the market going so this is a struggle that is not new. Good luck to those fighting to keep things unspoiled. I'll be there next time I'm in London.
- Sixtysomething, North Yorkshire
No No No. This is one of the nicest london markets and I shop and have worked in a few. The stalls in the craft section are really good selling reasonably priced good quality goods. This would not happen in another Bluewater site. Please make the planners see sense. Keep greenwich as it is. With tourism top of the list you should not be lookinig to entertain shopaholics
- Linda Harris, London
London's rapidly losing its character and identity.The new residents alone are proof of that.The time has come to flatten anything of a historic nature, rewrite history and build more and more flats.
Ooops,forgot,Labour's already seen to that.
- Steve, London
how tragic. is there really nothing that local people can do to preserve this lovely part of london. why are we so keen to wreck ourselves in beautiful greenwich. first turn the peaceful historic park into a funfair for the world's posh horsey folk (ie the equestrian events at the olympics) and now get rid of the historic market everyone loves and turn it into yet another bog-standard faceless shopping experience. vested interests (a "charity" my foot!) keen to make ever more millions for themselves, and no doubt bonuses for their chairmen (ie one or two greedy individuals) are quite prepared to wreck the place. and olympic officials and local politicians intent on gongs and glory in 2012. WHY CANT WE STOP THEM? WHY WHY WHY do we put up with these outrages? Democracy??? a joke
- Sharla, greenwich uk
I doesnt really make any sense, London tourist people do their hardest to market these establishments as authentic, ancient trading places and people seem to flock to them and yet the developers are singlehandedly sqeazing the life from them by creating faceless indentimarkets. Why not just shop in tesco? its a bit warmer.
KEEP GREENWHICH MARKET THE WAY IT HAS BEEN FOR MANY YEARS and preserve the great London Market place.
- Alanj, London
Sheer madness. Why not pull down the Observatory, the Maritime Museum and old Naval College at the same time and replace them with lovely plastic domes.
- Celiad, London, UK
It's vandalism, pure and simple.
- Paul, London
What a brilliant idea Greenwich. Go ahead and wreck yourself. This will give areas of London with more authentic but less well-known markets, like Walthamstow, a chance to develop their tourist industries. Maybe some of your artisan stallholders and grups like the printmakers will be willing to move to our market and shopping, where I am sure they will be much more welcome.
- Technomist, Walthamstow
