Planning application for temporary Greenwich Market submitted

Greenwich's covered market is due to be rebuilt. The case for redevelopment is a little weak and there are some very valid concerns about the specifics of the plans, but one thing's for sure, it is not going to be a "Bluewater-like" development.

A few months back, the Greenwich Phantom provided a more nuanced analysis of the proposals:

"Much of the content of the proposal is tolerable - and some of it's even okay... the loss of those Edwardian buildings in Durnford Street so that they have extra rubbish-bin space is hardly a great excuse to demolish history and the removal of the classic cobblestones in favour of bog-standard paving is an unacceptable part of the deal."

For the project to go ahead, the market needs to be relocated, so here's the press release from Greenwich Hospital about those plans:

Greenwich Hospital, the naval charity, has this week submitted a detailed planning application for a temporary market within the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) which would operate for the two year period between January 2010 and December 2011 whilst the regeneration of Greenwich Market takes place.

Commenting today Martin Sands, Director of Greenwich Hospital said:

“I am delighted that after extensive stakeholder and community consultation Greenwich Hospital has been able to submit plans to Greenwich Council for the temporary market within the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College."

Subject to gaining planning consent from Greenwich Council, and scheduled ancient monument consent from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport; Greenwich Hospital intends to commence development work on the market regeneration in January 2010 and finish late 2011, with the hotel and market opening in early 2012. During the two year construction period the market will operate on Monument Gardens, an area of ground in front of the Pepys building and next to the Cutty Sark.

Greenwich Hospital very much appreciates the help that the Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College has given to enable us to find a good solution for the temporary market.”

Commenting today, Nick Raynsford, MP said:

“Finding a home for Greenwich Market during any construction period has been a fundamental part of bringing forward plans for the market regeneration. I am delighted that Greenwich Hospital has been able to agree with the Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College a site within the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College for a temporary market whilst the regeneration takes place. ”