Enderby Wharf’s telecoms gantry could receive highest heritage protection

Historic England is considering granting Enderby Wharf's telecoms cable gantry and winding gear the same level of protection as the country’s most significant historic monuments, such as Stonehenge and the Norman castles.

Last year, Alan Burkitt Gray formally proposed that the jetty and associated structures at Enderby Wharf in Greenwich should be listed as architecturally significant. He was initially hoping for a Grade II or II* listing, recognising their importance just below Grade I, which is reserved for the nation’s most exceptional buildings.

However, Historic England has now suggested that it might be “more appropriate to consider the site for scheduling rather than listing”. If approved, this would place Enderby Wharf on par with some of the UK's most treasured sites, including the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College, and the site of the launch way for Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Eastern — a ship famous for laying telegraph cables.

Historic England has launched a public consultation on the proposal, inviting contributions for a three-week period. Local residents and those with an interest in preserving Greenwich’s industrial heritage are encouraged to share their views.

For more information and to participate in the consultation, visit Historic England’s website.