The Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to discuss the Supporting Our Town Centres to Thrive report, which detailed initiatives and data concerning the economic health and development of Woolwich, Greenwich, and Eltham. The panel was also set to receive an update from the Cabinet Member for Culture, Equalities and Leisure and review the work items scheduled for future meetings.

Supporting Our Town Centres to Thrive

The panel was scheduled to consider a report on Supporting Our Town Centres to Thrive, which aimed to provide an update on the Council's Getting Things Done agenda. This agenda focuses on strengthening town centre partnerships, enhancing local collaboration, and supporting vibrant, resilient, and sustainable high streets. The report was expected to include updates from newly appointed Town Centre Managers, detailing their delivery approach, priorities, and early impacts.

The report included a Town Centre Health Dashboard presenting data for Woolwich, Greenwich, and Eltham. Key indicators such as footfall change, spend change, and vacancy rates were detailed for each town centre. For instance, Greenwich town centre showed a 7% increase in footfall and a 1% decline in spend index between January and June 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with a vacancy rate of 3.4%. Woolwich, on the other hand, experienced an 18% increase in spend index, but had a higher vacancy rate of 13%. The report highlighted the strong growth in international visitor numbers across all three centres.

The Getting Things Done programme, launched in October 2025 with £2.1 million of funding, aims to support town centres through various initiatives, including tackling fly-tipping, increasing staffing for clean-up efforts, appointing new Town Centre Managers, and providing additional support for the Community Safety Team. The report detailed specific actions planned for Woolwich, Greenwich, and Eltham.

In Woolwich, efforts were underway to address cleanliness in Beresford Square, with interim measures and reviews of permanent cleaning solutions. Cross-functional working groups were established to tackle street drinking and anti-social behaviour. UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding was allocated to upgrade bench maintenance and improve the appearance of the area. The report noted the promotion of Beresford Square Market, with investments in new gazebos, seating, and floor coverings to enhance its attractiveness. A pilot scheme for a time-banded waste collection on Powis Street was also mentioned, funded by £250,000 of UKSPF. The Destination Woolwich campaign aimed to promote the town centre as a vibrant destination. Plans were also being developed to establish a Woolwich Town Centre Partnership.

For Eltham, the report highlighted the use of UKSPF funding in Autumn 2025 to support the Eltham Weekender and Heritage Quest programmes, designed to animate the town centre and attract visitors. The Enjoy Eltham brand was developed in collaboration with local stakeholders to promote the town centre. The Eltham Town Centre Partnership was formally launched on 21 July 2026, bringing together businesses, community organisations, and key stakeholders.

In Greenwich, the Council continued to work with partners to support the town centre's vitality, safety, and attractiveness. A dedicated Task and Finish Group was established to address issues associated with itinerant ice cream traders. The Greenwich Town Centre Partnership was due to be formally launched on 10 September 2026. The report also mentioned the hosting of the Young Market Traders Regional Final at Cutty Sark Gardens on 18 July 2026 and ongoing work to review future options for heritage telephone boxes. The Cutty Sark Gardens Redevelopment Programme was progressing, with new planting designed to reflect the historic voyages of the Cutty Sark. The Business Watch Radio Scheme, initially launched in Woolwich, had been expanded to businesses in Eltham and Greenwich.

The report also discussed the potential establishment of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across Woolwich, Eltham, and Greenwich. A feasibility study and stakeholder engagement programme were commissioned to assess the viability of this approach. The Council was also developing an Evening and Night-Time (ENT) Strategy to create vibrant, sustainable, safe, and inclusive town centres.

Cabinet Member Update

The panel was scheduled to receive a verbal update from Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Equalities and Leisure, on the strategic priorities, emerging issues, and key developments within his portfolio.

Commissioning of Future Reports

The panel was asked to note the work items scheduled for the Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel meeting on 29 October 2026. These included a review of Visit Greenwich, focusing on visitor numbers returning to pre-COVID levels and an overview of key trends, challenges, and opportunities from the 2026 summer tourism season. A Cabinet Member Update for the Cabinet Member for Economy, Town Centres and Co-operatives was also scheduled. The panel was invited to consider the scope of these forthcoming reports and specify any detailed requirements.