Royal Arsenal Riverside, SE18

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

It’s great living here - the transport links are amazing, with the Elizabeth line, DLR, overground trains, buses and even the Clipper all available, so you can always get around! It would be nice to have Lime bikes or similar but maybe that’s on the way in the future? There are lots of great local independent shops & businesses you can support, including a vibrant market square which is great for fresh fruit and vegetables. We have great grocery shops too, with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and M&S all within a 10 minute walk from my building. The retail park nearby in Charlton has larger M&S & Sainsbury’s stores, along with ALDI and large Primark, Boots, TKMaxx & Homesense. IKEA is also near that shopping mall, so we have everything you need quite close by and easily accessible via public transport. There’s loads of green space and places to walk or cycle which is also great. My building is brilliant - no security issues and the waste management services are great, so no complaints!

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish we’d known that the plumbing for the upstairs loo wasn’t done correctly, as we had to pay to sort that out which was a bit frustrating. Everything else is good. I wish the flooring was better quality but I’ve been here 15 years now and although the carpet and vinyl floors probably both need replacing now, that’s still a pretty good lifespan, so it’s still good.

What is the best feature of your home:

Loads of natural light and an interesting layout - it’s a really cool & fun flat.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

As the development has become more commercialised amenities such as Unity Kitchen have closed. This was a very good employment source for disabled residents in Woolwich. The Greenwich Heritage Centre and Firepower museum have also moved. A new arrival Punchdrunk is a good addition but they have no engagement with residents especially regarding the construction of their theatre entrance.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Difficulties with some neighbours unwilling to compromise on excessive noise.

What is the best feature of your home:

Build quality of terrace doors. Double-glazing quality.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Living in my local area has its ups and downs. On the positive side, there’s a decent range of shops, restaurants, and bars, though some could use an upgrade in quality. Open spaces are available, but they can get crowded on weekends. Transport links are generally convenient, with buses and trains running frequently, but delays and occasional cancellations can be frustrating. Parking on my street is a challenge, as spaces fill up quickly, and bin collections can be inconsistent. Traffic noise is noticeable, especially during rush hour, and there are occasional issues with anti-social behavior at night.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I had known more about the actual efficiency of property management, as communication regarding maintenance and service charges can sometimes be slow or unclear. Also, while the development is generally quiet, occasional noise from neighboring units or communal areas can be noticeable. It’s also worth checking parking availability, as spaces can be limited depending on the time of day.

What is the best feature of your home:

The best feature of my home is the large windows, which allow plenty of natural light to fill the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout the day.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

No composting - wish there is! Great access to public transportation and ease of getting around. Wish there are more quality restaurants, shops and grocery stores (a waitrose would be amazing and a mid to high end Chinese, Korean, or Japanese restaurant) The Guardhouse is wonderful.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

That the parking space entrance design would be so poor. The kitchen sink area is quite small if you’re used to something bigger and there’s no garbage chute so you’ll have to brave the chills in the winter. Also that it’s not an induction stove.

What is the best feature of your home:

The view, the temperature control system and the built in wardrobe.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Royal Arsenal Riverside in Woolwich is a vibrant and well-developed area with a good range of local amenities. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars catering to different tastes, from casual cafés to more upscale dining options. The area also benefits from open spaces, including parks and the riverside walk, which provide a pleasant escape from city life. Transport links are one of the major advantages of living here. The Elizabeth Line offers fast connections to Central London and beyond, while Woolwich Arsenal station provides access to the DLR and National Rail services. There are also good bus links and the Thames Clipper riverboat service, adding to the convenience. However, peak-time congestion can sometimes be an issue, particularly around the station and main roads. Living on the street is generally comfortable, with well-maintained public spaces and regular bin collections. Parking can be challenging, as it is mostly restricted to permit holders, and spaces are limited. Traffic noise is present but not excessive, and anti-social behavior is not a major issue, though it can occur occasionally, as in any urban area. Overall, Royal Arsenal Riverside offers a well-balanced lifestyle with modern conveniences and excellent transport links.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The park run along the riverside is unexpected. I love it

What is the best feature of your home:

The heating system and energy saving building material is very impressive and effective