Finding Community at Royal Arsenal Riverside | Resident Story

Set beside the River Thames in Woolwich, Royal Arsenal Riverside has become home to a thriving, close-knit community. Long-time resident Kenny shares how the neighbourhood has shaped family life, fostered lifelong friendships and inspired him to give back through local initiatives.

For Kenny, Royal Arsenal Riverside is much more than a place to live. It's where neighbours become friends, children grow up together, and people support one another through every stage of life.

A GP, school governor, community volunteer and founder of a non-profit combat sports gym, Diesel AK Gym, Kenny and his family have called Royal Arsenal Riverside home for many years. In that time, he's watched the neighbourhood evolve, while building lasting friendships and connections of his own. We asked him what initially drew him to the area:

"We were looking for somewhere in Zone 3 and came to Woolwich almost by chance," he recalls. "We immediately fell in love with the river, the heritage buildings and the atmosphere. It felt peaceful but connected."

What began as a search for a home soon became something much more.

Kenny often describes Royal Arsenal Riverside as "a village within a city" and it's easy to understand why.

Before becoming parents, he and his wife were part of a group of friends who regularly met for drinks, dinners and riverside walks. Today, their social life includes a young family, but the sense of connection remains stronger than ever.

"Having lived in London for most of my life, I'd never really known my neighbours before moving here," he says. "At Royal Arsenal Riverside, everyone talks to each other. There are generations of families living here, and people genuinely look out for one another."

That support network has become invaluable as Kenny and his wife raise their three children. Plus, Kenny has become a familiar face at local businesses like House of Denna and Café Jade, who he says are some of his favourite spots to spend time with his family. School runs are shared, neighbours help with childcare when needed, and family friendships have flourished over the years. "

"We all go to the school gates together, chat afterwards and often end up at each other's houses for dinner. If I'm running late, I can call another parent to pick up my child and I'd do exactly the same for them. That's just normal here."

Weekends are centred around family, friends and making the most of the neighbourhood.

A typical Saturday might begin with coffee and pastries from a local café before a walk along the Thames Path, a bike ride towards The O2 or meeting friends whose children have grown up alongside Kenny's own.

"This is where my children learned to swim, ride bikes and scooters," he says. "It's where they've made their closest friends."

It's also where seasonal traditions bring residents together. From Halloween trails and festive celebrations to Chinese New Year dumpling-making sessions and community lantern walks, Kenny says there is always something happening.

"There's a real desire from residents to create things for one another. People want to bring the community together."

Connected to Work, Family and Community

For someone balancing life as a GP, community leader and father of three, location matters.

Working in Tower Hamlets and East London, Kenny says Royal Arsenal Riverside's transport connections via the Elizabeth Line and the DLR allow him to stay close to both his professional and personal commitments.

"Living here gives me the opportunity to do all these different things," he explains. "I can do my GP work, support youth outreach projects, run the gym and still get home for family life."

He believes that the combination of connectivity and community is what makes Royal Arsenal Riverside unique. "Most people think they have to choose between London life and family life. Here, you don't. You can have both."

One of Kenny's proudest achievements is the community combat sports gym he founded during the pandemic, which is also based within Royal Arsenal Riverside.

Concerned by the impact of isolation on mental and physical wellbeing, he and a friend began offering free jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai sessions within Royal Arsenal Riverside.

What started as a handful of people training together has grown into a thriving non-profit organisation with more than 260 members.

"We wanted to help people build resilience, confidence and better mental health," he says. "One person became two, two became four, and it just kept growing."

The gym supports people from all backgrounds and ages, with a particular focus on accessibility and inclusion. Kenny has seen first-hand how sport can transform confidence, create friendships and provide direction.

"Sometimes people come in because they're struggling, whether that's loneliness, anxiety or a difficult period in life. They find a sense of purpose and belonging through the community."

Why Royal Arsenal Riverside Feels Like Home

As Kenny and his family prepare to move into a larger home within Royal Arsenal Riverside, he says their decision was simple.

"We're doubling down and staying here."

His advice for anyone considering making the move?

"Don't just look at the buildings or the transport links. Think about the people you're going to meet, the friendships you'll make and the experiences you'll have."

"Of all the places I've lived in London, this feels the most like home."

For Kenny, that's what makes Royal Arsenal Riverside so special, not just where you live, but the community you become part of.

Explore Royal Arsenal Riverside for Yourself

Royal Arsenal Riverside has homes ready to move in now. View the Royal Arsenal Riverside development page to find out more, and book a visit.