relocating soon, Royal Arsenal anyone?

[teaforfour]

Goodmorning to everybody, we are an Italian family going to relocate in London in the next two to three months; family members are me (the culprit: it's my job that sparked the revolution) my wife (soon to be sanctified) Lil princess (4yo daughter) & Cheeky Monkey (3yo son).
After an endless enquiring and pondering and wondering we set down for settling in Greenwich (it is the right choice, now isn't it?). In particular the renovated Royal Arsenal stroke our attention, does anyone have any information on it? Especially around the following points:

1. How is the zone for families?
2. How are the schools around there?
3. Does anyone happen to know the service charges associated with such buildings? For I fear they

Sorry! Hit post message by mistake...

1. Does anyone happen to know the service charges associated with such buildings? For I fear they could bequite high given the services provided (concierge and other things)

Basically I must admit I am fretting and freaking since quite some weeks over the neighbourhoods & schools dilemma so any help/info over the whole thing would be a heaven sent boon!!

Hi! Personally I would look to live closer to Blackheath or Eltham. I used to live in Blackheath but have just moved to Eltham. I do not like Woolwich much, but don't know the area too well. Check the closest schools and their Ofsted reports (google), which will give you valuable information about the schools in the area.

Hi Mettee, thank you for you're reply. The school levels are one of the reasons I started looking at the zone given there are five school all with levels ranging from good to outstanding in a very small radius.
Problem is that just a couple of hours ago i received a call from a colleague that told me Woolwich is "dodgy"... So am now reconsidering it a bit.
Given the low level of replies i might repast the question in the general education thread.
Thanks a lot for taking the time to read and reply.

No problem. Please PM me if you would like more info about Blackheath/Eltham area or any of the schools nearby. I don't usuallt check mumsnet to often:)

Hi tea,
I would second Blackheath/eltham.
I live in Eltham and find its a great area.
My cousin lives in the royal arsenal development and the service charges are shocking it was £3000 last year.
Again im not a fan of woolwich or plumstead.
Hth

Hi,

I live on the royal arsenal development and I love it here. It's true that service charges are fairly expensive, we pay about 2,200 per year but I think this is average for purpose build in London? It may be more in a 3 + property though.
I only have a young baby so I don't know about schools. In truth, woolwich town centre and the woolwich arsenal are like 2 separate planets! The development is really lovely, nice people, good atmosphere, safe, lovely walks along the river, concierge, gym, family pub etc. in town it's a bit run down but this is changing all the time with new cross rail going in, new shops etc. the children's surestart centre is about 20 mins walk and is very friendly and well run.
If your kids are school age I would definitely do some research first look at offsted reports on local schools.

Cheryl