Looking after Thamesmead

In 2018 we published our first five-year plan to improve, grow and look after Thamesmead for the long term. Today we’ve launched our in-depth impact report charting our progress over those five years. John Lewis, Executive Director for Sustainable Places, reflects on the work involved in realising Thamesmead’s potential as a thriving new town for London. 

Ask people what they like about Thamesmead and you’re likely to get a range of answers. Beautiful landscape, refurbished buildings, community events, cultural activities and new opportunities will no doubt be among them. 

Many of these things have either come about or improved considerably since Peabody became the town’s main landholder, and we began our work to improve, grow and look after the town for the long term. Our subsequent launch of a long-term regeneration plan in 2018 hailed a new beginning for Thamesmead, envisaged in the sixties as the ‘town of the 21st century’ but then hit by changes in governance, a lack of investment and wider socio-economic problems.  

Looking After Thamesmead: Our Story of Impact reflects on our first five years of delivering widescale regeneration. It’s full of purposeful projects, programmes and partnerships – all helping to improve Thamesmead for local communities.  

It’s a story that’s underpinned by a plan. One that details the key elements needed to create truly sustainable neighbourhoods – day to day care, quality homes and facilities, excellent outdoor spaces, arts and culture, and tailored community support. The delivery of this plan has been guided by detailed independent research by Arup and the Social Innovation Partnership, referenced throughout this report. Their annual findings have enabled us to monitor change across the town each year, and adapt our work when needed, so we can better respond to the wants and needs of the community. 

There’s a lot that’s been achieved in recent years and already a great deal to celebrate. We’re especially encouraged by a growing sense of optimism in the town. But there is also plenty more to do. Our focus now is on maintaining momentum and tackling historic challenges. We want to attract more shops and spaces for people to meet, secure better transport links, and improve neighbourhoods which have previously lacked investment.  

As we take forward the regeneration, we’ll continue to listen to and learn from Thamesmead’s residents and our many partners. We’ll also strengthen ongoing partnerships and develop new ones. And we’ll build on the many projects and programmes we have in place to make sure Thamesmead is a successful, sustainable place.  

If you’d like to collaborate with us, please contact us