Greenwich residents have had their first glimpse of plans to convert the borough’s former town hall – a listed building – into nearly 100 homes and offices.

The Riverlow Group, a property investment company that now owns the town hall released details of its redevelopment plan on November 9.

A ‘Build to Rent’ scheme is proposed, with 85 new homes for young professionals, young families, students and downsizers, who want to move into smaller flats after retirement. Community and office space will also be provided.

An observation deck at the top of the clock tower will offer views across London.

The nearly 50-metre high clock tower will have an observation deck, from where members of the public can take in views across central and south-east London, and even the North Downs that is about 60 miles away on a clear day. However, the grade II listed building does not have a functioning elevator to the clock tower and visitors will have to trudge up 280 stairs to reach the observation deck.

Photos of the proposal have excited comment on social media.

Greenwich Town Hall, which was built in 1939 was the headquarters for the Greenwich District Board of Works and the home of the Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich before it has remained vacant after the Greenwich School of Management moved out of the building in 2019.

The redevelopment plan is still at the pre-planning community consultation stage, where the Riverlow Group is inviting public feedback at their website. The planning application will be submitted to the council in the coming months.