The O2 and Peninsula
It’s dominated by the modern O2, but North Greenwich and the Greenwich Peninsula have a fascinating history. As a flood prone peninsula, the North Greenwich area remained undeveloped until the 19th century, when industrial development swept the area.
With good access to the river for importing and exporting goods, it became a thriving home to rope making, cable making, and the manufacture of soap, linoleum, gas and other industries.
The first cable to span the Atlantic was manufactured in North Greenwich, and Alcatel still manufactures international cable at Enderby’s Wharf.
Other industries have come and gone, as have residential developments. Some of the first housing, in the Riverway area, has been preserved, providing a reminder of what it was like in the early 1800s.
The O2 will host some events in the 2012 Olympic Games.