Woolwich town centre

With a rich history as a key military and industrial hub, Woolwich has long been a focal point in south-east London. At the heart of the town centre is Beresford Square, home to the town’s market for over 400 years, and its main high street, Powis Street, once described as the ‘Ramblas’ of Woolwich. 

Over time, however, as the town evolved, the square and high street quickly became dominated by movement and day-to-day activity. This left little opportunity for people to pause, gather and experience the space beyond its primary function.
 

Reimagining spaces through light for modern use

To revitalise Woolwich town centre and unlock the area’s full potential, the Royal Borough of Greenwich launched a major public realm regeneration scheme. The project aimed to transform Beresford Square and Powis Street into more attractive, accessible and economically active civic spaces that could better support a broader mix of uses, from everyday activity to community events and the growing evening economy.

In Beresford Square, the design focused on improving movement patterns, reducing visual clutter and strengthening connections through the space, including those to the historic Gatehouse and links towards the Elizabeth Line Station. Along Powis Street, the aim was to create a more coherent, pedestrian friendly environment that enhances the overall high-street experience. 

In both locations, lighting played an important role in supporting these ambitions, helping to define routes, reinforce a sense of arrival and contribute to a more unified and welcoming town centre after dark.

Schréder was brought into the project through its established relationship with both the council and Michael Grubb Studio. Working alongside LDA Design, WSP and Elite Landscapes Limited, we delivered a coordinated lighting solution that aligned with the wider public realm vision.
 

Integrated lighting for a regenerated town centre

To deliver a consistent yet site-responsive scheme, a range of integrated lighting elements were introduced across both locations. On Powis Street, 16 custom parallel columns were installed, each equipped with FLEXIA FG luminaires with a colour temperature of 2700K. These columns were designed to provide more than illumination. They offer a fully integrated solution, incorporating high-level 16A electrical sockets, with selected units also adapted to support CCTV cameras, helping meet the operational needs of the space while maintaining a clean and uncluttered streetscape.

In Beresford Square, 13 custom 10-metre columns were installed, each featuring four VALINTA CURVE Midi luminaires and a selected unit to support CCTV integration. This was complemented by 50 VALINTA CURVE Micro luminaires used to illuminate plants and trees, adding depth and reinforcing the softer landscape introduced as part of the regeneration.

To improve accessibility and safety across level changes, seven Grade 316 stainless steel handrails were fitted with our ALINEA lighting modules to provide discreet yet effective illumination along key routes. A 3D metallic powder coating was applied to all metalwork across the scheme to ensure durability and contribute to a cohesive, high-quality visual identity.
 

Balancing performance, aesthetics and functionality

The product selection was driven by both performance and design consistency. The VALINTA range was chosen for its versatility across multiple sizes to maintain a consistent design language throughout the project while delivering strong aesthetics, adjustability and photometric performance. The ALINEA was chosen for its class-leading performance and robust design. 

The integrated column approach also provided additional functionality by combining lighting, power and CCTV infrastructure into a single solution, supporting the long-term operational needs of the space, without introducing unnecessary street clutter. 

Environmental considerations played an important role throughout the project. The lighting design was carefully developed to minimise unnecessary light spill and support a more sensitive approach to illumination in the public realm, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable night-time environment.
 

Delivering a vibrant and future-ready public realm

The completed scheme successfully redefines Woolwich Town Centre as an accessible, vibrant and inclusive civic space. By improving visibility, enhancing atmosphere, and supporting a wide range of uses, the lighting plays a key role in encouraging activity and engagement well into the evening. Collaboration with all stakeholders was central to achieving this outcome. The project demonstrates how an integrated lighting approach can support regeneration goals, strengthen local identity and create spaces that people want to use, enjoy and return to.