In May 2025 Berkeley Homes invited the Royal Arsenal community to a consultation regarding "...proposals for the decarbonisation of the energy network for future homes at Royal Arsenal Riverside."
The plan they disclosed was to take 15% of Wellington Park to construct an intrusive industrial installation to house heat pumps to be used in the new Armourer's Court and The Ropeyards developments. Construction was expected to last 18 months and include road closures on Arsenal Way.
The site chosen was immediately adjacent to a Grade II Heritage Listed building of high conservation value, and the site is fully within the conservation area of Royal Arsenal Riverside.
The proposal caused great community concern - a petition launched against it gathered over 1,700 signatures - and to help in communication and coordination this site was created.
You can download a short briefing paper explaining the concerns and issues around this proposal here.
Fortunately, common sense prevailed, and on 2nd October 2025 Berkely Homes, via Rendall & Rittner, announced that the plan had been reconsidered and a better site chosen.
It was our belief that the planned industrial installation would:
- significantly impact heritage values in the historical area of Royal Arsenal Riverside;
- negatively impact property values for leaseholders in surrounding buildings;
- cause significant noise and disruption during construction;
- detract from the quality of life of all residents of Royal Arsenal Riverside;
- provide no benefits for residents and leaseholders in existing buildings in Royal Arsenal Riverside;
The purpose of this web site is to provide a collated set of information on the proposal, planning and development for residents and leaseholders of Royal Arsenal Riverside, and any other interested parties. Please revisit us, as this site is under rapid construction, and will be updated as any new information comes to light.
We have put together a joint submission to the Air Source Heat Pumps consultation, which you can download here
“But the plans were on display…”
“On display? I eventually had to go down to the cellar to find them.”
“That’s the display department.”
“With a flashlight.”
“Ah, well, the lights had probably gone.”
“So had the stairs.”
“But look, you found the notice, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” said Arthur, “yes I did. It was on display in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying ‘Beware of the Leopard.”
― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy