Historic market square gets a makeover

Set on the Thames, the southeast London market town of Woolwich was once home to the Royal Arsenal munitions from 1696 when fireworks were made here. At its peak, 120,000 people worked at the Arsenal and it drove the town’s economy, putting Woolwich on the map and giving it handsome 18th and 19th century architectural bones.

The proximity of the Arsenal to the town’s main square, Beresford Square, meant that the square itself has long been a centre of activity and exchange, as well as serving as a key transport hub. Powis Street, Woolwich’s main shopping street, connects to the Square. There has been a market in the square for 400 years.

This guided tour will give a brief overview of the history of the space and the steps taken to improve it by the designers responsible.

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring an umbrella - just in case.

Both Beresford Square and Powis Street sit at the heart of Woolwich’s conservation area, which was designated in May 2019. The architectural merit and historic interest of Beresford Square helped secure this designation.

Major investment into the town’s public realm has transformed Beresford Square and neighbouring Powis Street, bringing about the change that local people and traders wanted to see. A landscape-led and heritage regeneration means that Woolwich’s public spaces can now begin to celebrate the town’s identity and architecture.

Beresford Square has been transformed into an attractive, flexible civic space with a central new garden featuring comfortable terraced seating, verdant planting and warm lighting. The design evolved to create an immersive experience with open views to the soon-to-be-restored Gatehouse and the life of the square.

The space is designed to support a year-round programme of community activity and celebrations. A playful splash pad brings children into the Square as they run through the jets, making Beresford feel family focused and fun. This water feature animates the space, when it’s not being used for events and installations. Two historic watering troughs have been repurposed as reflective water features.

Powis Street was dominated by bollards and street clutter. Seating was little used. It has now been reinvigorated with new seating, planting and coherent materiality.

This tour will give a brief history of these historic spaces and the steps taken to improve them by the designers responsible.

Clothing etc

Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing and please bring an umbrella - just in case.