A new development project in Abbey Wood is set to bring four tower blocks up to 17 storeys tall to the area. The project, proposed by JMH Group, will include 487 co-living rooms and a 110-bedroom hotel on Eynsham Drive. In addition, the development will feature a gym, roof terraces with bird boxes, and various commercial opportunities at street level to enhance the pedestrian experience.
The current site, which is home to a car wash and animal hospital, will undergo a transformation with the relocation of the hospital to a larger facility on the premises. The proposal is scheduled to be reviewed by Greenwich council’s planning board, following a previous application from JMH in 2018 that was initially rejected but later approved with revisions, including the addition of a hotel and changes to balcony designs.
According to planning documents, the developer cited increasing construction costs and interest rates as reasons for not being able to meet the 35% affordable housing provision required from the previous scheme. Instead, they have proposed a £7.3 million contribution towards affordable housing units off-site. The co-living rooms in the development will offer ensuite bathrooms, double beds, kitchenettes, and televisions, along with shared amenities such as a games room, lounge, and dining area.
Council officers have praised the project for its high-quality mixed-use design, which aims to revitalize a brownfield site and provide much-needed accommodation options in the area. The development not only includes a hotel, co-living spaces, and a relocated pet hospital but also contributes to affordable housing provision through a payment in lieu scheme. Overall, the project is seen as a positive addition to the neighborhood, offering a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to benefit the community.
