Located in historic Greenwich, the London borough that gave its name to Greenwich Mean Time, Greenwich Peninsula is a thriving urban area nestled in a bend of the River Thames. A place where coolness meets relaxation, Greenwich Peninsula was singled out as an opportunity area in the 2004 London Plan: a strategic framework for city development devised by the then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. Since then, over 5,500 new homes have been built, with approximately 32 per cent of them considered affordable. Under the direction of the current mayor, Sadiq Khan, the ambitious industrial regeneration scheme is ongoing: seventeen thousand homes new homes are planned, with fifteen thousand new jobs created by 2041.
Architecture and Nature
Greenwich Peninsula is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. International architects have left their distinctive mark on the area, with bold and eclectic buildings. Moreover, Greenwich Peninsula boasts London’s first elevated riverside linear park, called the Tide, adorned with installations and sculptures. The area is not solely about state-of-the-art structures, however: with its bike lanes and green areas, there is also ample space to relax, or take a stroll along the river.
On the River
Walking by the River Thames is a relaxing activity enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. On Greenwich Peninsula, however, this experience is all the more enjoyable: in addition to the traditional boats that sail to the city centre, high-speed catamarans travel from North Greenwich to Embankment, offering stunning views of the Tower of London or of London’s business district, the City. On a sunny day, especially, it is a comfortable way to explore London and it is also a common mode of transport for commuters on weekdays.
UP IN THE AIR
The London cable car, also known as the Dangleway, offers another unique experience. The cable car crosses the Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, and offers aerial views of landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Gherkin. Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the Gherkin is arguably the capital’s most famous skyscraper. In this south-east neighbourhood, the dome-shaped O2 complex by architect Richard Rogers includes a venue that hosts concerts and performances by famous artists from all over the world. There is also a large shopping area with bars and restaurants and a multi-screen cinema, as well as many other leisure activities. Visitors can now experience an incredible 360-degree view of London from its roof.
Design District
At the heart of Greenwich Peninsula, a permanent creative hub called the Design District has recently been established. This workspace, housing sixteen unique buildings, aims to attract creative companies and craft artists, from lighting designers to photographers, tattoo artists to ceramists, with an interesting programme of talks, cutting-edge exhibitions, open-studio events and workshops.