Raising the curtain on Woolwich’s new creative district

The London borough of Greenwich is holding a sneak preview of what’s in store for the new Woolwich creative district this week, with a series of music, dance and street art performances.

The All Roads Lead to Woolwich event will run from 6-8 July and include ‘pop up’ performances by the Arensky Chamber Orchestra, 5 Soldiers and Avant Garde Dance in various venues and buildings.

The event is being held to showcase the creative district, which is set to transform the Royal Arsenal riverfront site in Woolwich.

The council’s cabinet approved the plans in March to turn the area into a 16,500-square metre creative hub, which will be a similar size to London’s Southbank Centre.

As part of the redevelopment, the council is set to spend £31m bringing five historic buildings back into use, including the Old Ammunitions Factory, which is being redeveloped as a 1,200 seated venue.

The creative district will also include a black box theatre with seating for up to 450 people, 10 rehearsal studios and a restaurant overlooking the Thames.

According to the council, when the creative hub is complete it will provide more than 400 jobs.

‘All Roads Lead to Woolwich marks the town’s first steps on a momentous journey towards becoming a major, international cultural destination,’ said council leader Denise Hyland.

‘I am delighted to see the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival delivering such a wonderful programme of events and I encourage residents and visitors to see these enthralling performances and the beginning of something truly, very special.’

The council is currently consulting with residents and interested organisations about its plans for the creative district.