What is happing on Convoys Wharf in early 2025?

It seems that the approved redevelopment planning scheme in 2014/15 submitted by Hutchison Whampoa, a Chinese owned global company, is now stalled. Nothing is happening on the ground apart from completion of works on the historic listed River Wall and a “Marketing Suite” on the Jetty to the River. Only 3 “Plots” out of 22 in the overall master plan have obtained full planning permission, all of the others are still at the outline stage. Now, 10 years later there is not sufficient time left to gain the further permissions. Even though when V4D had made a legal challenge on the scheme having “timed out”, it was defined as having an extraordinary 10 years + 3 years + another 2 years, giving 15 in all.

The Project Manager, Jonathan Sarfaty is no longer in post and the employed Consultants are not actively engaged. So, what will happen now? It is not at all clear. Will the developer work in partnership or even sell on the land? The national planning framework and the London Plan favour high density and high rise redevelopments, so it could be even worse if a new fresh Application were to be made.

Voice 4 Deptford has an alternative plan for a lower rise more humane scheme celebrating and preserving the heritage and history along with renewed green environment for climate change. We are working with a group of MA Urban Design students at University College London on a sophisticated “Culture and Heritage” Report, whilst a BA Year Group are looking at a range of opportunities across the whole 40 acre site. These are open for consultation and are freely available for comments.

Recently passing by the Main Gate on Grove Street it was noticed that a Sign had been posted referring to a Licensing Application for very long opening hours. Spaces & Stories appear to be behind this with an intention for a ‘meanwhile’ use on the site. Further investigation has led on to an Objection by Voice 4 Deptford around concerns for the use not being aimed at local people and the potential disturbance that could be created to the quiet residential area nearby.

Over the latter 5 years V4D have been working with Dr Roger Green and Professor Keith Popple, on an academic book discussing community responses to urban regeneration that has now been commissioned and is due for publication in late 2025. 

Malcolm Cadman – February 2025.