/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25818553/257470_Amazfit_Active_2_ADiBenedetto_0002.jpg "The Amazfit Active 2: the new contender for budget smartwatch king£")
A couple who live next to a pair of Grade II-listed 16th century docks in London have said they have the best view in the city, as plans to build on the site approved 12 years ago show no sign of progress. Woolwich Dry Docks is located on the edge of the Greenwich district next to the River Thames, towards North Woolwich.
The original shipyard was reportedly founded in 1512 to build the Great Harry ship for King Henry VIII. The farm was used until 1869, the dry dock has since filled with water and the granite steps have become covered with bushes and weeds.
Derek Barker, 88, was born in Woolwich and has lived next to the dry dock for over 20 years with his wife Jean, 85. The resident remembers when locals used to walk around the harbor before it was closed, with Jean describing the couple’s home on the Thames as having the best view in London.
Mr Barker told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “King Henry VIII had his ships built here. The Great Harry, The Beagle – those are Darwin’s ships. Sir Walter Raleigh’s ships were built there.”
He added: “In the middle of the rubbish (in the water) you can see a kind of stool. I made it and put milk bottles in it and the birds used to nest on it.”
Greenwich Council gave planning permission in 2012 for a 14-storey development between the two harbors which would include 100 new flats. Despite gaining planning permission, the proposal, titled Mast Pond Wharf, has seen little movement in the 12 years since it was given the green light. The company listed in the original application, which was incorporated as Mast Pond Wharf Limited, has since been liquidated.
Mr Barker said: “They had a kind of chop on it. If you look through the window you’ll see a kind of ramp. They brought their vehicles up the ramp and they started doing exploratory piling and then it all disappeared.”
Mast Pond Wharf would also have sought to add new lighting to the area and improve the waters of the harbor, which was previously used by fishing clubs. The system would have aerated the water in the harbor to create habitable ponds for fish that would be prevented from freezing in winter. A sport fishing club was also planned with storage, a small cafe and toilets.
Mr Barker said: “If you look up the plans it looks like an attractive block. It’s very complex, I don’t know if it would work… It would be nice in a way if they built flats because they would do all that here with ducks and lights, that would be great.”
Business consultancy Quantuma told the LDRS that two members of its staff had been appointed joint liquidators of Mast Pond Wharf Limited in November 2022. In October 2024 the site was placed under the control of “receivers”, but there is no sign of any progress in developing it.
A spokesperson said: “Security agency Veritas Property Management Ltd was commissioned to secure the perimeter of the site at King Henry’s Dock SE18 5QS and also carry out monthly site inspections. The joint liquidators provided a progress report on winding up on 25 January 2024 which was lodged with Companies House. We can now confirm that LPA (Law of Property Act) receivers were appointed over the site on October 16, 2024.”
Albany UK, one of the developers understood to be behind the project, has been contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
Do you have a story you want to share? Email joseph.coughlan@reachplc.com.
Don’t miss the biggest local stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more.
