A planning proposal for a data centre in Charlton Riverside was submitted to the Royal Borough of Greenwich in mid-August, with some residents already raising concerns about the development.
The proposal, submitted by real estate company Tyburn RWC Limited, outlines plans for a 100,000-square-metre data centre, roughly the equivalent of 14 football pitches.
The site, located at 669a Woolwich Road, currently hosts the Stone Foundries and locally listed heritage buildings, alongside businesses operating within the premises.
David Gardner, Labour councillor for Charlton Village and Riverside, said the developers have not formally engaged with local councillors yet, but that “we [they] are aware of their plans which would dominate the area, overshadowing the Conservation Area which includes people’s homes in Atlas and Derrick Gardens”.
The proposal was submitted just days after the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Transport for London (TfL) signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on the wider regeneration of Charlton Riverside, which aims to deliver around 8,000 new homes, schools and other community facilities.
Cllr Gardner stated that if the project went ahead “it would be more difficult to provide vital new homes close to the site’ and “it is reported that there would be 70 diesel generators creating noise and pollution as well as reversing the Borough’s excellent progress towards being carbon neutral”.
Although the proposal is still at an early stage some residents have questioned how it fits with the wider regeneration plans for the area.
Councillor Gardner added: “The height, bulk and scale are totally out of proportion to the surrounding landscape and would be visible from large parts of Charlton.”
Data centres have been at the centre of a wider debate in the UK, with concerns on their environmental impact and effects on local communities.
So far, the heritage assessment requested by Tyburn RWC Limited has concluded that the proposal would result in a high adverse impact due to the demolition of two locally listed buildings and three non-designated heritage assets.
The only heritage asset that would be partially retained is the Charlton Ropeworks Narrow Gauge Railway. The surviving section would be incorporated into a new public landscaped route leading towards the River Thames. The Stone Foundry is not included in the demolition plans.
Several businesses currently operate from the site, including K&T Heating, CSB Construction and Flower Skills.
The latter is a training hub for school-aged students, particularly those who face challenges at school, offering courses to help them develop practical skills in different areas of the construction industry.
A worker from one of the sites said they were largely unaware of the proposal and that, if the plans went ahead “it wouldn’t just affect us, a ton of people work here”.
GLi, the developer behind the proposal, states on the website that the data centre could bring several benefits to the area, including quieter and cleaner streets through reduced traffic, as well as creating new jobs.
But residents have raised concerns in local Facebook community groups after the news was shared, with a petition calling on the council to consider local views currently receiving more than 8,000 signatures.
Charlton Cllr Gardner said: “I will be behind my constituents 100% in opposing this monstrosity if a formal application is lodged.”
If the proposal moves forward, construction is expected to begin in 2028 and be completed by 2033.
Featured image credit: Arianna Distefano
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