Plans for a comprehensive overhaul of London's historic Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels have been confirmed, promising an end to years of frustrating lift failures and unreliable access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Council Deal Secures Future of Greenwich Tunnel
At a full council meeting on December 3, 2025, Greenwich Council's acting cabinet member for climate action, sustainability and transport, Councillor Calum O'Byrne Mulligan, announced a pivotal agreement. The deal, struck with Tower Hamlets Council, paves the way for the "detailed design phase for full tunnel regeneration" of the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.
Greenwich Council jointly owns the Greenwich tunnel with Tower Hamlets and the Woolwich tunnel with Newham Council, but holds sole responsibility for operating both century-old pedestrian river crossings. The authority has faced sustained criticism for its management, particularly regarding the lifts, which are frequently out of service for long periods due to difficulties sourcing bespoke parts.
What the Regeneration Plan Involves
The agreed masterplan outlines a significant upgrade programme. The core of the project involves replacing both lifts in the Greenwich tunnel with modern dual shaft systems, a move designed to drastically improve "reliability and serviceability."
Beyond the lifts, the regeneration will address the lighting and heritage aspects of the subterranean passageways. Cllr O'Byrne Mulligan emphasised the council's ambition to encourage wider usage of these vital strategic assets. He also confirmed that Greenwich is seeking a meeting with Newham Council to implement a similar strategy for the Woolwich Foot Tunnel.
The council is working with the Mayor of London's office to deliver a coordinated approach for reliable, step-free travel under the river at both locations. While Transport for London (TfL) has ruled out taking over management of the tunnels, they are collaborating with the borough to advance the plans.
Campaigners Remain 'Unconvinced' by Announcement
Despite the announcement, local campaign group Lifts Now has expressed scepticism. The group, an offshoot of the successful Escalate Now campaign, had previously called for TfL to assume control of the tunnels, arguing that a single transport body would be more effective than three individual boroughs.
Group member Karin Tearle pointed to ongoing issues, noting that the north lift in the Woolwich tunnel remains out of use and the south lift is unreliable, despite promises of a resolution in spring 2025. "We note the hopes for improvements are spread out over a long period of time," she said. "We remain unconvinced by Greenwich Council’s current statement so our campaign Lifts Now will continue."
The group thanked over 1,800 signatories to their petition and vowed to maintain public pressure, asserting that it was this pressure that brought the issue to the fore. The planned regeneration of these iconic London river crossings now moves into a critical design phase, with users hoping for swift and tangible results.
