It’s short notice due to the approaching deadline of the consultation period, but the Charlton Riverside Action Group are meeting to discuss the newly produced master-plan for the area.

Antony Rifkin, Director of Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners, who produced this document has kindly said he will come along.

Once again we hope our local councillors and our MP will be in attendance. As well as local stakeholders and members of neighbouring resident’s groups.

However, most importantly we need you and your views.

Hope you can make it.

Rachael has been in touch with a message for you…

Exciting new community music project starting in Charlton next week! I am a Charlton based musician, passionate about uniting local people through music and the arts. As a result of this interest my music company (Soundcastle) and I will be running FREE community music sessions on Monday afternoons from February 27th to June 4th at 4.15 – 5.15 and 5.45-6.45pm. If you want to know more then check out www.soundcastle.co.uk or email me at rachael@soundcastle.co.uk. ALL WELCOME!

“One of the key proposals in this planning document is the downgrading of Woolwich Road.”

Antony Rifkin, Director at Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners

On Monday evening residents gathered in the Valley’s boardroom to view the presentation of the Charlton Riverside master-plan. Speaking at the exhibition were Allied and Morrison Urban Practitioners who’ve recently been working on plans for Southend, Lewisham, Bexleyheath and the Olympic legacy programme.

There wasn’t much for them to add that wasn’t already in the document but points were raised with questions from the public.

Discussions included ensuring Charlton riverside complemented the rest of Charlton. Better access to the river was touted and a green bridge that would link Maryon Park with Barrier Park. Concerns were raised that the arts scene that has shown signs of life in the area wouldn’t survive as rents increased. There was also a hint of embarrassment when one resident pointed out that the views of All Saints’ Church in Blackheath (proudly highlighted in the document) was actually St. John the Evangelist.

What the presentation did highlight which wasn’t apparent in the master-plan is that they’re hoping that the western part of Woolwich Road (from the Antigallican onwards) can be downgraded from and its A-road status.

This seems to be key to unlocking the barrier of Woolwich Road and join a more penetrable retail park onto the rest of Charlton.

The road looks set to have more crossings, better furnishings, broader pavements and more pleasant surroundings. Which will surely mean alterations to Charlton’s major traffic intersection and the re-routing of traffic along Bugsby’s Way.

The consultation period is set to end on the 9th of March and there’s one more exhibition at Woolwich Library on Saturday 3 March (10am-2pm).