Date Published 25 June 2019
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is creating an exciting new multi-million pound restoration destination for the arts in Royal Arsenal.
Five historic military buildings dating back to the 1700's will be restored and used for music, dance, theatre, exhibitions, bars and restaurants. This Creative District within a short walk of Woolwich Arsenal DLR and the new Cross Rail station will also have spaces available to hire for a wide variety of events. Creative companies signed up include Punchdrunk immersive theatre company, Chineke! Orchestra, local dance company Protein will move in alongside Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair and there is word that ballet superstar Carlos Acosta is in 'advanced discussions' to open a dance school in the complex.
Key attractions will include:
A performance hall for 1,200 seated, 1,800 standing
An open air courtyard for events for more than 500 people
Creative/dance studios
It is hoped that the district with create hundreds of jobs and many millions of pounds to an area ripe for development and investment. Greenwich council leader Danny Thorpe says ‘Regeneration is as much about culture, schools and public spaces as housing'.
The restoration is due for completion in 2020.
