Late to the party with this (see the News Shopper’s coverage) but in case you haven’t seen already, the independent report into the messed-up refurbishent of Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels has been released by Greenwich Council ahead of a cabinet meeting this Wednesday. As expected, there’s criticism for Greenwich Council’s oversight of the scheme, but the strongest words are for council contractor Hyder Consulting.
Readers with long memories will recall how Hyder was commissioned to work on plans to part-pedestrianise Greenwich town centre, but the scheme failed after it planned to introduce a huge gyratory system and cut bus services. Hyder’s still working on a detailed “DLR on stilts” proposal, for an extension along the A102 and A2 to Eltham, commissioned nearly two years ago. If it’s anything like Hyder’s work in the foot tunnels and Greenwich town centre, don’t expect much from it…
Meanwhile, the Friends of Greenwich and Woolwich Foot Tunnels are celebrating 101 years of the Woolwich tunnel with a ceremonial walk through it on Saturday at 11am – all are welcome.
The anniversary walk through Woolwich tunnel is at 11am on Saturday the 26th October. All are welcome. And there will be cakes and music. For those who have not experienced the Edwardian ambience of the Woolwich tunnel, it is hidden behind the Waterfront Leisure Centre on Woolwich High Street.
Buses 177, 180, 472 or a cycle ride starts from Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich, at 10am.
Ian Blore, for Friends of Greenwich and Woolwich Foot Tunnels
No surprises there then. When a lot of public money is put into a scheme of real value to the local population I expect something called project management. Sadly lacking here. But I notice that the big glossy cable car scheme with a limited value to locals managed to get done.