The first homes in the area were built in the 1960s in brutalist blocks that can still be seen today on the Southmere estate.
In recent years, housing association Peabody has started a large-scale redevelopment of the town, including building 500 new homes in South Thamesmead.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg, with almost 20,000 additional homes yet to be built.
If all the planned new housing is delivered, Thamesmead’s population could double from 50,000 to 100,000 people by 2050.
Here we take a look at all of the proposed developments that could see the town dramatically changed over the next two decades.
Thamesmead Waterfront
Around 15,000 new homes are planned at ‘Thamesmead Waterfront’ (Image: Peabody)
This is both the largest development planned for Thamesmead, and the one that is the furthest from completion.
Around 15,000 new homes have been proposed for this 100-hectare site, which can be found to the west of the town’s existing retail park on the southern bank of the Thames.
Proposals also include completely rebuilding the existing town centre around the retail park, as well as providing new shops and offices.
Full designs for the redevelopment are yet to be revealed, and Peabody has suggested that the project will not progress until a DLR extension to Thamesmead has been confirmed.
Transport for London (TfL) has yet to secure funding for the extension, which would link to the existing line through Gallions Reach in east London via another new station at Beckton Riverside.
South Thamesmead
Peabody has already started construction of new homes in South Thamesmead, the part of the town closest to Abbey Wood’s Elizabeth line station.
More than 500 homes have been built close to the existing Southmere estate, with work on a further 329 already under way and expected to be completed by 2027.
Bexley Council has also already approved plans to demolish and redevelop the Lesnes Estate.
This will eventually see an additional 1,950 new homes built in South Thamesmead.
West Thamesmead
Construction is already under way to build more than 1,900 homes in West Thamesmead, on a 6.8 hectare site that was once the home of Arsenal Football Club.
The first residents are scheduled to move into the Lombard Square development this year, which will include a new park and play area.
In total, 40% of the homes on the site will be offered as affordable housing.
