Living in Woolwich: Lorna Dempsey’s Story

Woolwich is increasingly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in London. This riverside district is home to an array of cultural attractions, green spaces and excellent transport links.

Lorna Dempsey moved to London from Ireland back in 2016 after signing with an acting agency. After initially renting in Clapham, her head was turned when she visited Royal Arsenal Riverside for the first time. Now, Lorna has been living in Woolwich for more than seven years.

Read on to discover why Lorna decided to make Royal Arsenal Riverside her home, and what she loves about living in Woolwich.

What Attracted You to Living in Woolwich, Specifically Royal Arsenal Riverside?

“I was asked to attend a business meeting at the Dial Arch in 2017. As soon as I walked through the gates, I could not believe I had never heard of this hidden gem before. The architecture, the history and the river make it incredibly unique. Even then I got a real sense of community. From that point, I knew this place was where I wanted to live.

Within a matter of months, I was living and renting at Royal Arsenal Riverside and I have not wanted to leave since.”

- Lorna Dempsey, Royal Arsenal Riverside resident

How Would You Describe the Public Transport Options in the Local Area?

Business commitments back in Ireland required Lorna to split her time between England and Ireland. This feat was made easier by the range of transport connections in Woolwich.

“When I first moved here I used to use City Airport’s planes like buses. It was incredibly easy for me to get back to Ireland and look after the performing arts school that I ran with my sister. There is no escaping the fact we have a wealth of travel options here. When I need to travel it is incredibly easy. You will be hard-pressed to find a better-connected neighbourhood in London.”

- Lorna Dempsey, Royal Arsenal Riverside resident

What’s It Like to Live in Woolwich? Are There Leisure and Entertainment Facilities?

With over 9,000 people now calling Royal Arsenal Riverside home, it is a place that also caters for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to the Waterside Club, an exclusive residents-only gym and pool, there are also a number of health and wellbeing amenities to be taken advantage of. With so many facilities on offer, it’s easy to see why Royal Arsenal Riverside is one of the best places to live in Woolwich.

“I think lockdown really brought home the importance of having open spaces to explore. During that period, I saw even more people walking, running or having bike rides along the 1km Thames Path. Many people were also enjoying sitting down in the sunshine in Maribor Park.

The spirit in the community was amplified with people asking each other how they were. Even the clapping for the nurses was spine-tingling, as I had never heard so much noise before.”

- Lorna Dempsey, Royal Arsenal Riverside resident

In fact, it was during this period Lorna welcomed a new professional and personal addition to her life.

“I actually met my partner whilst having a walk along the Thames Path in lockdown and we had our first drink at the Dial Arch once the restrictions were lifted. He is actually an even bigger fan of Royal Arsenal Riverside than me, having lived here since 2008.

When we decided to move in together we both agreed we had to stay here. Fast forward two years and we are now renting a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in Building 50. It has an incredible lagoon in the centre and has great access to the Thames Path. We really can’t see ourselves moving anytime soon.”

- Lorna Dempsey, Royal Arsenal Riverside resident

Are There Good Employment Opportunities For People Living in Woolwich?

“Living here is incredibly easy for work. In between my acting jobs, I am a qualified Reiki practitioner and have my own business ‘Tru Reiki’ at Gunnery Terrace.

I also run dance classes at the PureGym which opened last year and I am a member of the Royal Arsenal Riverside Business Networking Group.”

- Lorna Dempsey, Royal Arsenal Riverside resident

Residents and visitors wandering around Royal Arsenal Riverside—a development by Berkeley Group. Lamposts with banners line the large pavements, while pedestrians go about their daily business.

How Do You Find the Local Amenities Such as Shops, Restaurants and Cafes?

With a range of bars, restaurants, on-the-go supermarkets and bi-monthly farmers markets already around the development, Lorna has also been impressed with one of London's newest cultural hubs, Woolwich Works which opened in 2021.

“It is safe to say that there are periods when I do not leave the neighbourhood.

You can essentially stay here all the time and since the opening of Woolwich Works, I can experience live music, stand-up comedy, theatre, dance and cabaret on my doorstep.

You have even got the immersive Punchdrunk theatre that I love. I am forever bumping into people that I know, which shows how close we all are here.

- Lorna Dempsey, Royal Arsenal Riverside resident

Discover Your Ideal Home in London

Ready to make Woolwich your home? Explore our stunning new properties in Royal Arsenal Riverside.

At Berkeley Group, we also offer a range of luxurious properties in other prime London locations, including Canary Wharf, Fulham, Greenwich and many more.

Search for your perfect home in some of England’s most desirable neighbourhoods or find out more about buying with Berkeley Group.