The future of London's new town is the subject of a seminar
at the University of Greenwich next week.
Stephen Howlett, former chief executive of the Peabody Trust, will talk about the regeneration plans for Thamesmead, which will see over 20,000 new homes built.
"It's the biggest regeneration in the UK and will make a real difference to people's lives," says Stephen, who presents his talk at the university on Wednesday 6 November. "Peabody has worked across three centuries and is prepared to take the long view with Thamesmead.
"The people who live there like it but a lot of people who got the chance to move away did so. The new town that Peabody is building on the waterfront will create new homes and a cultural centre.
"There can be better transport, such as the DLR and connections to the Elizabeth Line. It needs the local authorities working with the GLA and Peabody but there is real potential for great things to happen."
Peabody is one of London's oldest and largest social housing charities, which now owns and manages 55,000 homes across the capital, and runs a range of employment and community projects.
The charity was founded by the American businessman and philanthropist George Peabody in 1862. It took over the ownership of Thamesmead in 2014. The area is home to over 46,000 people as well, as businesses, community facilities and 200 acres of developable land.
Stephen (pictured) graduated from Thames Polytechnic, one of the founding organisations of the University of Greenwich. He was Chair of the Court and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Greenwich from 2013-2017.
Stephen was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London in 2017 and awarded a CBE in the Queen's 2018 New Year's honours for services to housing.
London's new town – building a better future for Thamesmead is part of the Big Picture Seminar Series 2019/20. The 45-minute lecture takes place at King William Court, Room KW303, Park Row, London SE10 9LS. It lasts 45 minutes and will be followed by a Q+A session.
