Meridian House, a fabulous 1930’s Art Deco building which has recently been restored, sits proudly in the centre of Greenwich. It stands on the edge of an exciting renaissance! The civic landmark had been vacant since 2019. Soon, it will become the center of a new community, one that will eventually house 73 build-to-rent units. These updates will help meet today’s surging demand for housing, with redevelopment that protects the historic building’s unique architectural character.
Meridian House was the borough’s administrative headquarters until 1965. Its beautiful reddish-brown brick design includes a magnificent clock tower that’s 184 feet (56 meters) tall. Since its merger with Woolwich in 1965, Meridian House has been at the heart of the local community. It is an exciting time for this building with its rich history. In 1975, it was the site of groundbreaking performances by iconic acts such as The Who and Squeeze.
The new development will consist mainly of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. It’ll serve everyone from the person who lives alone to a household of four. The developer took ownership of fulfilling local needs. As part of this project, they will commit to designating 11 of these residential units as affordable housing.
Beyond the residential units, Meridian House plans to restore the observation deck of its historic clock tower. This feature will be reopened to the public at least once a year, allowing visitors to appreciate the building’s historical value and enjoy panoramic views of Greenwich.
A spokesperson for the council emphasized the importance of this redevelopment, stating that it is “designed to meet local needs, and flexible commercial spaces which can be used for workspace, community facilities or retail.” They remarked on the overall mission behind such applications, noting, “With applications of this nature, it’s our mission to enhance the surrounding area for both current and future residents, creating a safe, attractive and vibrant neighbourhood.”
Even as the project moves forward, its goal remains to protect the architectural integrity of Meridian House. Simultaneously, it meets the demand for up-to-date residential units. Beyond providing space for national and local arts organizations, the redevelopment stands as an opportunity to energize the immediate community while respecting a profound history.
