It selected a site on the eastern side of the Old Kent Road, adjacent to the Grand Surrey Canal for its works, which were completed in 1833.

[1] Thomas's son, George Livesey, joined the company in 1848, as his father's assistance, becoming general manager in 1857 and chief engineer in 1862.

In 1871, following the death of Thomas Livesey, George became company secretary, a position he held until 1885 when he became chairman.

[1] In 1880, the South Metropolitan Gas Company acquired the Phoenix Gas Light and Coke Company, bringing additional gasworks in Rotherhithe Street, Vauxhall, Bankside, and Thames Street in Greenwich.

In 1881 a new site in East Greenwich, opposite Blackwall, was acquired, and the gasworks opened on 30 July 1887.