The Council has been working closely with local people and partners to deliver improvements in Erith that enable it to make the most of its riverside location and to thrive as a place to live and do business.

Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Growth, Councillor Munur and the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Diment visited Erith last week to see the progress.

Their first stop was outside The Exchange, the old Carnegie library that the Council, local people and partners have transformed into a community hub and that this year won a prestigious 2024 RIBA Southeast Conservation Award for great architecture. Further public realm works to improve the nearby Walnut Tree Road for pedestrians and vehicles have started (11 November). These works will make the street a safer, pedestrian-friendly and greener key arrival point in Erith and include the addition of a new walnut tree. This forms a main route connection between the station, the town and the river. 

At Riverside Gardens Bexley’s Cabinet Members were able to see that improvements are starting to take shape following the end of the demolition stage. The re-landscaping of the gardens will bring residents and visitors closer to the River Thames with new seating, a playground and outdoor fitness zone, as well as a community gardening area located along a 'Thames promenade route' running the length of the gardens. Works will be complete in early 2025.

Cllr Munur and Cllr Diment also went inside the disused unit at 68 Pier Road that is being transformed into a multi-use community space for Erith.  The new community space will have a kitchen, a hireable events area and meeting rooms plus a Changing Places toilet facility.  There will also be an indoor courtyard that local people can use to relax in but that can also be used for outdoor community events.  Local groups participated in a design workshop earlier this year and suggested how best the space could be used.  Information boards updating on the plans for 68 Pier Road are on display in Erith town centre. Following a public vote the new space will be known locally as 68. Work is expected to be complete in Spring 2025.

Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Growth Cllr Munur said:

It is exciting to see how all of the improvements in Erith are shaping up and how the area is being transformed. All of these enhancements will rejuvenate the town and help make it even more attractive to local people and visitors."

Improvements at Pier Square one of the main public pedestrian spaces alongside the river front in Erith and at the Erith High Street area by the Riverside Gardens have already been completed and future projects include repurposing the locally listed Bank Chambers at No 70 Pier Road and is currently in planning.

All of the improvements are being delivered by the Greater Erith programme at London Borough of Bexley and are funded by the Council and partners. Find out more on the Greater Erith website.