Won through invited competition in November 2021. Proposals for the Grade 2 listed Royal Arsenal Gatehouse in Woolwich were developed for the Greenwich Enterprise Board and the Royal Borough of Greenwich working in collaboration with LDA, Studio Weave and Turner Works. The project has been delivered as a part of wider proposals funded by the Future High Streets Fund and Woolwich’s Heritage Action Zone. 

The Gatehouse represents a fulcrum in the wider proposals for the area, being the most visibly prominent remaining historic building in this part of Woolwich and lying on the cusp between the recently redeveloped Royal Arsenal site and the town centre. The historic Gatehouse sits adjacent to Studio Weave’s new market pavilion, and new public realm designed by LDA.

The first phase of the current Beresford Gate was constructed in 1828–9 and is named after William Carr, Viscount Beresford (1768–1854), who ordered its construction and was an army officer who served under the Duke of Wellington. The new gateway was constructed to designs prepared by Colonel John T Jones and was constructed of plain yellow stock brick with recessed panels. Colonel M. T. Sale then oversaw more extensive alterations when three rooms were built above the entrance gates with a north-west stair turret, in the late 19th century. The original gates were made by John Hall of Dartford which were later replaced in 1936 when the foot-way openings were widened.

By providing a protective ‘baldacchino’ structure through the centre of the building, Gort Scott’s proposals have allowed the original gateway to be re-opened to the public for the first time in 30 years, while maintaining security for the building’s inhabitants and improving public access. 

As a part of wider public realm works the historic building has also been provided with external lighting which accentuates the Gatehouse as a backdrop to Beresford Square, while new landscaping serves to define public routes through and around the building.