Erith's regeneration project is nearing completion, with several key milestones achieved and more on the horizon. Bexley's Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an update on the Greater Erith Regeneration Programme at their meeting on Wednesday 25 June 2025, highlighting progress across various initiatives.
One of the most anticipated developments is the transformation of Riverside Gardens. Works aimed to transform the gardens, reconnect visitors to the river, offer new opportunities for play and improve accessibility. Completion is expected in July 2025, with a launch event planned for the end of June. The design was developed by Erect Architecture in close collaboration with local residents and local gardening community group FORGE.
Other projects reaching key stages include the Pier Road public realm enhancement, which is now complete with new landscaping, seating, lighting and bins. Following the refurbishment of Riverside Gardens, the enhancement of the adjacent Thames Path emerged as an area for improvement. Relevant Section 106 funding will be allocated to these improvements. Preliminary discussions are underway to scope potential improvements.
Construction work at 68 Pier Road is scheduled to be completed by 16 June followed by a short fit out and mobilisation period. The facility will be known as '68' and run by GCDA, a charitable organisation with long experience of providing community facilities. A formal joint launch event for Riverside Gardens and 68 is planned for 30 June, featuring an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Works to Walnut Tree Road aim to connect the town, the station and the riverside and improve the overall environment for pedestrians. Construction started in November 2024, with hardscape work expected to be completed in summer 2025 and softscape work in autumn.
Planning permission for redevelopment of 70 Pier Road was approved with conditions in April 2025. The proposals incorporate the refurbishment of the existing building and redevelopment of the rear car park. The development will create 10 new residential flats and 226sqm of ground floor commercial space.
Erith High Street works include improving pedestrian crossing points, links to the river, resurfacing, better bus stop waiting area and street greening. Phase 2 includes potential two-way road implementation, footway resurfacing, and landscaping. Scheduled to resume in Autumn 2025, design decisions will be informed by the traffic modelling.
The Greater Erith programme seeks to engage regularly with local stakeholders. This is done through a variety of channels including the Greater Erith website, social media, regular press releases, the Bexley Magazine and a noticeboard in an empty unit in Erith shopping centre.