Transport Links,Thames Gateway, Olympics

issue#1 autumn 2007 opportunity inside: LOCA vision The regenerationmagazineofRedbridgeCouncil TION, LOCA :

A borough onthebrinkofhuge growth, forbusinessand residents TION, LOCA TION:

Transport links,Thames Gateway, Olympics... issue#1 autumn 2007

Editor: Sarah Herbert [email protected] Deputy editor: Kirsty MacAulay [email protected] contents Art editor: Terry Hawes [email protected] Contributors: Alison Jones, Robert Jones Advertisement sales: Lee Harrison 04 Verge of discovery 26 Talking ‘bout [email protected] Redbridge’s many assets – location, green regeneration Production: Sue Mapara spaces, education – mean it’s about to Any future plans need to benefit the [email protected] take off as a place to live and work whole community, so for Redbridge Managing director: Toby Fox consultation is at the heart of its plans [email protected] Printed by: Trade Winds 14 In the frame Images: Redbridge Borough Council, Hollybrook Developments, EPG, SMC Chartered Architects, So what is happening, where, and when, 30 Balancing act Galliard Homes, Barratts, Higgins Homes, Hainault and how is the planning framework Regeneration is not all about the new – it Business Park, George Wimpey, London 2012, www.britishcycling.org.uk helping it all happen? is vital to retain the character of all the different town centres in the face of major Published by: development Lower Ground Floor, 23 Gateway to the Games 189 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TB T: 020 7978 6840 F: 020 7978 6837 What is the Olympic legacy for Redbridge? And how can the borough best take 34 Contact point For Redbridge Council Ilford Town Hall, London IG1 1DD advantage of the opportunities on its A who’s who of Redbridge Council’s Tel: 020 8708 2238 doorstep? regeneration services and personnel www.redbridge.gov.uk Subscriptions and feedback: go to www.visionredbridge.com

© 3Fox International Limited 2007. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of 3Fox International Limited is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions or errors. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of 3Fox International Limited or Cover: Pioneer Point, Ilford Redbridge Council. Above: Vision 20, Ilford redbridge rediscovery

Verge of discovery

Verge of discovery Redbridge rediscovery

Redbridge residents already know it’s a good place to live. And, as Sarah Herbert discovers, it’s about to attract new businesses and even more people, attracted by the borough’s many assets and great location

edbridge is about to be discovered But one of the main factors attracting as a great place to live. In fact, new residents to Redbridge is its superb prospective purchasers may be education system. It’s the third highest R too late – houses in such des res borough in the country for pupils obtaining conservation areas as Wanstead Village at least five GCSE grades A* -C , and was or South Woodford already command rated the best local education authority handsome prices, in keeping with their in the UK by The Observer newspaper. Its desirable settings. Such locations are schools are currently ranked second in set among some splendid open spaces: the country for children’s progress, and 1,200 hectares of forest, some of it ancient, its primary schools are in the top ten. The and 600 hectares of green spaces and council has agreed plans for two new parks, much of it green belt, reminiscent of primary schools, with construction starting Redbridge’s time as a part of Essex, rather on one now, to meet the growing demand than East London. But as well as a good for school places. range of restaurants and well-preserved It is also developing an employment villages, Redbridge can also claim a and skills strategy to ensure the skills of great location within two areas of growth the community match the requirements – the Thames Gateway and the London- of employers, via a partnership between Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough growth training providers, such as colleges, corridor – as well as being right on the JobCentre Plus, and the major employers edge of London’s Olympic site. in the area. It works both on the ‘demand’ Its residents already love it – surveyed side, ensuring skills will be available for the satisfaction ratings are consistently high. main sectors of growth – including retail, Why? Crime’s on its way down, as are construction, and business services – both > road accidents, and it’s a peaceful and tolerant place to live, despite being one of Unity Square in Ilford will the most ethnically diverse boroughs in the transform country. As a visible sign of the borough Redbridge is a great the centre of Redbridge’s being cared for, the council is investing ‘capital town’. an extra £300,000 in keeping the streets location, within two clean (tidy streets are rated by residents as the second most important factor in areas of growth: the making their area a better place to live, and Thames Gateway the first thing residents and visitors notice about a borough). It has fantastic transport and the London- connections, being only half an hour from two airports, a few minutes away by Peterborough tube or train from the City of London and Canary Wharf, and well-served by the road growth corridor network, including the M11 which starts in the borough.

redbridge rediscovery

in the borough and the sub-region, and the ‘supply’ side – providing basic employment Forty per cent of residents have skills to those members of the community who are traditionally more likely to be been involved in some form of unemployed, such as the young, lone parents, and members of the black and training in the past year ethnic minority community. Not surprisingly, Redbridge is also a good place to do business. The 113,000 people employed in the borough About the only element residents aren’t alan WEinberg, are mainly concentrated in service satisfied with is the lack of sports facilities leader of industries, and small ones at that, with in the borough, but this shortfall should be Redbridge 88% of companies having fewer than 10 more than alleviated with plans for new Council employees. What’s more, a recent MORI sports facilities in time for the 2012 Olympic survey showed that 40% of residents have Games, including a new pool and an been involved in some form of training impressive new cycle facility in Hainault, and development in the past year. And as well as various health initiatives. In fact, the future’s bright unemployment in the borough is only 3.6%, the Olympics will have a big effect on the Redbridge has come a long way on the well below the London average of 6.9%. borough – which will act as a location for journey to becoming one of London’s Ilford, the largest ‘town centre’ of training, visitor facilities and entertainment fastest growing and changing boroughs. Together with the portfolio holder for Redbridge, is one of the top locations in – creating jobs in the construction and planning regeneration and environment, the UK for business start-ups, so is home service industries. (For more on the effects Councillor Keith Prince, I and the other to a high number of micro businesses, of the Olympics on the borough, see the cabinet members are determined many supported by the council-sponsored feature on page 23). to make Redbridge the destination of choice for a new generation of East London Small Business Centre. And the future looks bright, thanks both ambitious households seeking the Larger businesses are supported by to Redbridge’s location, and the strategic best schools and a wide choice of new such agencies as the Thames Gateway importance of north east London as a homes, as well as excellent cultural and London Partnership, the LDA, as well as the growth area, especially as a location for recreational facilities. The regeneration of the borough council and businessREDBRIDGE, the local new housing – the borough is expected to will also provide new and emerging economy cluster of the Redbridge Strategic grow by at least 8,000 new homes by 2017. opportunities for skilled work, both Partnership. Its location at the foot of the M11 makes within Redbridge and in the wider The borough is also home to the it a gateway to the London-Stansted- Thames Gateway area and at Canary Wharf and the City of London. Thames Gateway’s first industrial business Cambridge-Peterborough growth area As a three-star CPA-rated council, improvement district, in Hainault, with corridor, identified in the government’s we are using physical, economic and groundwork being prepared in Ilford town Sustainable Communities plan. What’s social regeneration to extend choice centre to repeat the success. more, it’s on the edge of the Thames > and opportunity for our community and encourage innovation and enterprise in the commercial and technological sectors. The borough is full of fresh and The borough exciting solutions to a brave new world can take that is already seeing the post industrial advantage of two huge areas areas of East London transformed by of growth global investment in the knowledge – the Thames economy and preparation for the Gateway 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. and the M11 There will also be enormous benefits corridor. ahead from Cross Rail, the expansion of Stansted International Airport and new Eurostar services to Europe from St Pancras and Ebbsfleet. Together with investors, developers, employers and architects, we will achieve great things for Redbridge.

Galliard_Redbridge_Vision20FPC 7/8/07 20:01 Page 1

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Residents will take advantage of the 30,000 jobs at Stratford City

Redbridge is well- connected, by road, rail and air

Gateway, one of the country’s largest To make the most of its assets, a lot of cultural facilities for both day and night, and concentrations of brownfield sites, creating effort will be concentrated on improving for all cultures and generations.” 180,000 new jobs and 160,000 new homes. the town centres. As Roger Hampson, As Hampson says: “Ilford is once again The designation of Ilford in the London Redbridge Council chief executive, says: ready to renew and regenerate. With new Plan as one of two metropolitan centres in “Town centres have always been crucial transport systems, high quality housing, East London, and as a major commercial to growth and prosperity. For generations, retail and leisure facilities, Ilford will provide centre, will also have a huge impact on Ilford has performed that role, sustaining the impetus for wealth creation and Redbridge, increasing demand for business and meeting the needs of its many and prosperity for the people of Redbridge.” support, retail and culture. And, what’s varied communities. Today, it provides a But it’s not just Ilford. The other three more, Redbridge residents should be able social, economic and cultural focus for the flagship locations for development to take advantage of the predicted 30,000 multicultural communities of Redbridge and and investment – Gants Hill, Hainault jobs to be created in the redevelopment of beyond. and Chadwell Heath – are expected to Stratford City. Ilford, as the capital of the borough, is generate considerable investment in To make the most of the opportunities, the main focus for investment, beginning private housing, transport and public Redbridge Council is chasing investment, with a 30-year strategy called ‘Progressive amenities, with Chadwell Heath especially which has already delivered results in the Ilford’. The town centre will be renewed, accommodating new housing on a form of £4.3 million from the DCLG Growth with a high-quality urban environment, a variety of sites. (For more details, see Area Fund, which will help such projects as network of public spaces and distinctively feature on page 14, and the development Unity Square in Ilford – a mixed-use cultural designed streets; an authentic residential map on page 20-21) The plan is for its quarter – and improvements to Gants Hill mix of 5,500 new homes, with community regeneration to be design-led, to preserve and the Roding Valley. services and facilities, and a wide range of and enhance the borough’s 18th and > 225715 Composite 276x216 17/7/07 09:19 Page 1

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Left: Valentine’s Mansion, due for refurbishment, and the River Roding. Right: Education standards in Redbridge are some of the highest in the country.

And the green spaces, one of Redbridge’s greatest assets, will be protected via such measures as a biodiversity action plan, which will involve the community in enhancing and managing the parks. The Roding Valley, a much-loved open space, is home to the Roding Valley Way, a combined footpath and cycleway following the River Roding to the Thames, providing a sustainable transport axis, a valuable link to Epping Forest, and improved access to various town centres.

City limits Redbridge is also well placed to take advantage of current thinking on the importance of polycentric development. Considering two-thirds of London’s land area and the majority of its population and workforce are in the suburbs, developing suburban centres makes sense, from an economic and sustainability point of view. As Lucas puts it: “Some planning thinking sees the centre of London as the economic dynamo, with the rest of the city becoming dormitory suburbs simply 19th-century conservation areas, and to supplying workers. We don’t think like renew any tired elements of its Edwardian, that.” inter- and post-war town centres. Its listed A study in 2005 by the Bartlett School of buildings will be preserved and repaired, Architecture on behalf of the (then) ODPM with, for example, £5 million Heritage found that suburban locations for offices Lottery Funds going to Valentines mansion offered businesses advantages such as and park. Development will reflect local ready supply of labour, liveable scale and distinctiveness and protect the overall lower crime. character of neighbourhoods. To this end, The London Plan, which shaped the the council has set up a pre-application overall planning strategy in the city, goes design advice service. some way to correcting this. As Ken Among all the new development, the Livingstone says in the introduction: “I am council is anxious to keep an eye on the convinced that there is only one strategy, future, ensuring that what’s built now will which the London Plan embodies, of still be loved and used in the future. As accommodating growth of population Mark Lucas, Redbridge Council’s head of and jobs in sustainable patterns of regeneration, says: “Redbridge will try to development, based on an improved encourage the best architecture and design and expanded public transport network. by working with market leaders to ensure London has to become a more densely whatever’s built now will be fit for purpose populated, intensively used city; and at in 20-30 years’ time, and won’t be seen as the same time more open, accessible a mistake by the next generation.” and better designed… Development has

10 Redbridge rediscovery

to be directed towards areas of social that area is reaching saturation point, and economic deprivation, brownfield and demand will push eastwards. I’m Redbridge is sites, areas of historic neglect and future not suggesting that Ilford town centre can opportunity. Sustainable growth requires become the new Canary Wharf, but it does well placed that all of London’s diverse communities be demonstrate that central locations can’t supported, strengthened and recreated. “ provide all the space needed by employers. to benefit Though some don’t think it goes far “Although you can read into the enough. A review of the London Plan by the London Plan what you want to, it is based from twin London Planning and Development Forum on concentrating development around found that the outer suburbs need to be transport nodes and town centres. While pressures even more involved in the future planning developers would like most town centre in London of London, especially in light of the need for development to be residential, as it has the sustainability. most value for them, we have to ensure it is – housing “Ilford is an opportunity area in the balanced, mixed-use, and high quality.” • London Plan,” says Lucas, “and there’s demand and plenty of demand for office and industrial space, especially in education, R&D and economic social businesses. Redbridge is well placed to benefit from twin pressures in London shift – the insatiable demand for more housing, including affordable tenure, and the shift in the economy away from manufacturing and towards service industries and the knowledge economy. “Also, the high demand for office space in Canary Wharf, for example, has meant

11 Bellway voted top for regeneration Bellway Homes – Leaders in Regeneration

and key workers. In the year to July 2006, Bellway delivered 790 homes to RSL’s.

More recently, Bellway City Solutions has been established specifically to co-ordinate all Bellway activities in major regeneration schemes, and is working in close partnership with a number of local authorities, and agencies including English Partnerships and the LDA, together Limehouse Basin with social housing organisations to resolve inner-city planning problems by transforming areas of market failure and creating Bellway has one of the best track value and creating vibrant new records for regeneration in the communities nationwide. housebuilding industry. In a survey Bellway plc is the 4th largest of industry experts drawn from house builder in the UK. Since its the public and private sectors formation more than 50 years ago, earlier this year focusing upon Bellway has built over 100,000 leading regeneration practitioners, housebuilder Bellway was ranked homes. The housebuilder has top in the UK in the residential enjoyed sustained growth, and is construction field and as one recognised throughout the industry of the country’s leading for its regeneration capabilities. regeneration companies. Under the Housing Corporation’s From major regeneration schemes Affordable Housing Programme, in the Thames Gateway to Bellway was awarded £8.7 million complex housing renewal projects to deliver homes for rent and in the inner cities, Bellway is adding purchase to first-time buyers

.co.uk

B7H_270x420_Vision_Redbridge07.i1 1 5/9/07 14:47:17 new sustainable communities. Ian integration of housing, both private five years notably in London and Cox, Managing Director of Bellway and social, coupled with new the Thames Gateway region. The City Solutions, Bellway’s specialist community amenities, leisure majority of these major schemes regeneration arm, said: “We have opportunities, and enhanced contain elements of commercial, been delivering and investing in public realm and transport retail and leisure space, as well major regeneration schemes long facilities, has dramatically as mixed tenures, and often before regeneration became improved social outcomes and community buildings, libraries and fashionable. We have honed and given a new optimism and purpose-built integrated surgeries and health centres. In the Thames developed our skills over many dynamism to previously Gateway area Bellway is working years and can field a team of run-down locations. specialists able to tackle the most almost exclusively on brownfield complex of schemes”. Nationally, Bellway’s record sites, many of them in dense urban of urban renewal has grown locations as key partner in the One exemplar of good practice substantially, and over the past development of Thames Gateway. is the work by Bellway Essex in the Limehouse Basin which began in 1997 as part of an £80 million, five phase, 660 home development that formed part of the regeneration of the area. The scheme was built on a 10.5 acre stretch of land owned by British Waterways. At Barking Riverside, Bellway has formed a joint venture with English Partnerships – Barking Riverside Ltd – to create a sustainable, integrated community of over Leyton Orient Football Club 10,000 new homes. At New Haddo in Greenwich, Bellway is building a mixed-tenure development, operating “Open Book” procedures on a scheme that will provide 510 new homes, 50% of them affordable, together with a community centre plus retail and commercial units. Bellway’s commitment to delivering sustainable communities is exemplified in many notable developments where the The Lock, Stratford The Lock, Stratford

For further information about Bellway Regeneration projects, please contact Bellway Essex, 1 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2PZ. Telephone 01245 259989

B7H_270x420_Vision_Redbridge07.i2 2 5/9/07 14:46:39 what’s happening

In the frame

Improving residents’ quality of life: that’s the central aim of Redbridge Council’s vision. So how, and where, are the changes taking place? ILFORD

The main focus for development will be in Ilford, the borough’s ‘capital’, where £1.5 billion of expected development investment will see the construction of 5,500 new homes under the ‘Progressive Ilford’ programme, published in 2002.

Unity Square This new cultural quarter, the heart of Ilford’s redevelopment, will create a new civic space for Ilford. It will include a new theatre, with state-of-the-art facilities and a flexible space that could double as a Via its draft planning and regeneration framework, and guided by concert hall. The hope is for it to act as a the community strategy, the council’s vision for a cleaner, greener and catalyst for enhancing the quality of future safer cosmopolitan environment is being brought to life by a series developments and attract new investment. of area action plans that will transform the borough over the next The focus of the £100 million five to 15 years. The framework sets out the proposals for the built, development will be a central square, environmental, social and economic future of Redbridge. Such plans with space for large open-air theatre include developing and supporting the local economy, making the or music events and markets that borough safer, promoting a positive attitude to the environment, giving complements the surrounding buildings, people the skills and opportunities to make the most of their lives, and including the grade II listed town hall. It improving their health, care and well-being. will also include around 500 private and The community strategy, adopted in 2003, offers a focus for keyworker homes. achieving the framework’s aims through a partnership between public Bellway Homes was selected as and private sectors. The spatial strategy of the borough, illustrated by preferred developer in August, with the local development framework (a portfolio of planning documents) construction due to start in 2009, and encourages regeneration, enhancement and investment, building completion in time for the 2012 Olympics. on existing local and regional initiatives based on comprehensive consultation with local residents and businesses. Leisure centre Ilford’s leisure facilities will be much improved with the creation of a £30 million

14 What’s happening multi-purpose leisure development. The ultra-modern facility will provide an Olympic-sized 50m swimming pool and 25m learner pool. Completed by 2010, the larger pool will offer a training facility for UK athletes preparing for the 2012 Olympics, as its design will allow easy partitioning to provide a series of smaller swimming areas for competition use. The leisure centre will also include a 12-court multi- purpose sports hall, activity studios and fitness suite, spectator seating and viewing balcony. Redbridge Council has appointed SMC architects to design the facility and submitted outline planning application in May following the results of community consultation. Sustainable elements of the design could include a ground source heat pump and insulating building materials.

Traffic management Other developments will focus on reducing the impact of traffic on the town centre. A £2.3 million improvement scheme will transform Clements Road, providing new street furniture and an improved street scene making the area more attractive and pedestrian-friendly.

Transport interchange A transport interchange will be developed for the new Crossrail service, when it arrives, and a proposed new public square in front of a new Ilford station. This will create a more appropriate introduction for visitors arriving in the newly redeveloped town centre.

Residential The transformation of Ilford is being shaped by a raft of residential developments – complete, under way or planned – that Above: Galliard Homes’ will offer city living in an outer suburb. 20-storey development These include: Vision 20 will update Ilford’s skyline. Right: Ilford’s new £30 Vision 20 million leisure centre will have an Olympic- Developer: Galliard Homes sized swimming pool. A 20-storey development with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with private gym and communal rooftop gardens. Completion: End 2008 > 15 what’s happening

Pioneer Point Developer: Empire Property Group A £100 million development comprising 297 residential units – in two towers of 34 and 24 storeys – 7,500sq m of retail and commercial space, a medical facility, and CHADWELL HEATH a specialist multi-cultural arts and crafts market with café and art gallery. Chadwell Heath is on the verge of major Completion: 2009 changes. The Chadwell Heath North Partnership, set up last year, has considered the development Centreway of land owned and occupied by Redbridge Developer: Barratts College and Goodmayes Hospital (North East Three buildings with a 15-storey tower London Mental Health Trust). comprising 239 one- and two-bedroom Building Design Partnership was apartments including penthouses with commissioned to produce a development gym and concierge. framework to determine what the two sites Completion: 2007 collectively offer and how redevelopment could achieve the maximum benefit. The council is keen Westside Apartments to retain an education element on the college site, Developer: Hollybrook Development possibly developing a new secondary school. A joint venture with Tower Homes offering Core NHS mental health services will also remain 83 one- and two-bedroom units. on the Goodmayes site. A decision about the Completion: 2007 future of the various services of the stakeholders should be made by the end of the autumn, Kingsley Mews enabling the Chadwell Heath North Partnership Developer: Hollybrook Development to finalise the preferred options. A comprehensive conversion offering 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Completion: 2005 Medici Vector Developer: Bellways Developer: Higgins Homes 130 two-bedroom apartments on the former King A seven-storey block with 24 two- George Hospital site, Newbury Park. bedroom, two-bathroom units and duplex Completion: End 2008 apartments. Completion: July 2006 Across the rest of Chadwell Heath a variety of Spectrum small-scale residential developments, ranging Developer: Barratts from one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom A centrally located nine-storey block with houses, are being planned and completed. 67 one- and two-bedroom units. Projects include the construction of a block of nine Completion: End 2003 one-bedroom flats on a former water company site and the recently completed development of four semi-detached houses on the former LEB sub-station site on Grove Road.

City living comes to Ilford. From top: Pioneer Point, Centreway, Westside Apartments, Kingsley Mews, Vector, Spectrum.

16 HAINAULT What’s happening

Health centre The Manford Way health centre has been replaced with a state-of-the-art purpose- built version, offering primary healthcare, community care and social services in one place. The development is being financed through the NHS LIFT scheme (local improvement finance trust).

GANTS HILL

Development plans will focus on Transport traffic calming and improving Gant’s Hill underground station is set for pedestrian access in the heart of major redevelopment in a joint venture Business park the town, currently severely limited between Redbridge Council and Transport Hainault Business Park by a network of subways and busy for London that will offer a much improved has undergone major roads leading off the Gants Hill environment and street scene with better improvements to the exterior roundabout. access routes. environment with an Immediate plans include upgraded lighting system, providing surface-level pedestrian Residential new signage, CCTV installation crossings and landscaping the Escala and landscaping. It has roundabout. Developer: Fairview New Homes also become a business Comprehensive conversion of an office improvement district, with the block to provide residential units. local businesses contributing to Completion: Early 2007 the park’s regeneration > (see page 32). Perth Road Developer: George Wimpey Development of one- and two-bedroom apartments. Completion: Summer 2007

The residential Invito developments planned Developer: George Wimpey for Gants Hill will offer much needed Four-storey development of studio, one- accommodation, and two-bedroom apartments with en- transforming the town centre and improving suite bathrooms and balconies. the evening economy. Completion: Third quarter 2007

Heritage Redbridge Council and the National Lottery are jointly funding the restoration of Valentines Mansion. The £3.1 million project will establish the mansion as a valuable educational resource, providing recreational and leisure activities, the restoration should be complete by 2009.

17 what’s happening

RIVER RODING Transport Redbridge is set to see a dramatic population rise in the next 10 years that will drastically increase demand on the local transport infrastructure. For the sake of sustainability, Redbridge Council aims to make public transport, as well as cycling and walking, the preferred mode of transport. The area’s public transport network already provides comprehensive links with central London via mainline trains, London Underground and buses, and these will be augmented when new transport initiatives such as the Crossrail system and the East London Transit scheme are put in place. Many of the borough’s train stations will be upgraded as part of this process, and proposals are being developed to transform Ilford station into a 21st century transport interchange (see p15). A scheme to create a gateway to the River Roding and Great significance is also being placed on the need to Wanstead Park from Ilford town centre will provide maintain efficient car access to town centres, particularly Ilford much-needed access to open spaces as part of the where it is seen as desirable for the competitiveness of the Thames Gateway’s Green Grid Project – a plan to connect town centre. Various plans are in place to alter the highways to East London together via its green spaces. A document allow public transport systems to operate more efficiently and produced in 2004 detailed plans to provide a walkway provide a more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly system. along the river creating access between town centres and residential developments, establishing a wider role for the Crossrail town centre as a location for leisure and opening up the The Crossrail project will link east and west London via a fast riverside. rail service from Maidenhead and Heathrow, through central Redbridge Council is now looking at ways to protect and London and Redbridge, and terminating in Essex and Kent. promote open spaces while increasing the value of the Major improvements will be made to the stations served by important river corridor, by improving access, encouraging the new link (Ilford, Seven Kings, Goodmayes and Chadwell use and enhancing biodiversity, in partnership with Heath), which could soon obtain parliamentary approval. adjacent boroughs. East London Transit The East London Transit scheme is a large-scale bus network linking town centres, train and underground stations throughout East London. The scheme, which is expected to carry six million passengers a year, will be implemented in stages, the first of which is set for completion in 2008. The first phase of the £35 million scheme will run between Ilford, Barking and Dagenham. Potential extensions to the network will link Ilford with Gants Hill and Barkingside and possibly an extension to the service across the Thames Gateway bridge.

Green spaces Redbridge’s green spaces range from formal recreation grounds and parks to the large open spaces of Epping Forest, Fairlop Country Park, Claybury Woods and Hainault Forest Country Park. The council recognises the benefits such areas provide for the community, such as space for recreation and activities, quiet enjoyment of the natural world and general enhancement of quality of life. Public consultation on the future On the edge of Epping of Fairlop is under way, as is using Claybury Woods as an Forest, Redbridge has a good choice of green ancient woodland for the community, funded by the Heritage open spaces, from Lottery Fund. recreation grounds and formal parks to the The council is also preparing a biodiversity action plan in more unspoilt beauty partnership with members of the community to protect specific of Wanstead Flats. species and habitats, and enhance neglected areas.

18 /K@MMHMFäENQ¬THE¬FUTURE

Ilford is a town on the up – The Ilford Town Centre A range of pioneering Partnership is at the heart of projects includes a workforce rapidly regenerating to meet the community, serving the development programme, a the needs of its ever growing needs of the local residents, business engagement and population and the anticipated businesses and visitors. outreach scheme, and a team Its ambition is to transform of fully trained town centre demands of the 2012 Olympics. the town centre into a ambassadors to help people As one of only 10 Metropolitan beacon of best practice and get the most out of Ilford. Centres in London, Ilford has a innovation, to create a better future for its residents and a vital role to play in the future prosperous environment development plans of the city. for business.

For more information contact Reg Woda, Town Centre Manager: 0208 553 1001 | [email protected] | www.ilfordtowncentre.com what’s happening

1. Gordon House, 31 Woodford Road, London E18 (0.07ha)

2. 100a Pulteney Road, South Woodford, Essex E18 (0.0507ha)

3. 577-579 High Road, Woodford Green IG8 (0.10ha) Redbridge Current & Future Regeneration Activity

4. Land to rear of The George Public House, 70-74 High Road, South Woodford, Essex (0.07ha)

5. 253-269 High Road, Woodford Green, Essex (0.35ha) To STANSTED AIRPORT

6. 98-106 High Road, South Woodford (3.2ha) Havering 7. 44-46 Snakes Lane West, Woodford Green, Essex (0.23ha) 3 Hainault Forest 8. Charteris House, Charteris Road, Woodford IG8 (0.0795ha) 1 Epping Forest WOODFORD 1 9. 1A/1B Eagle Lane, Snaresbrook, London, E11 (0.148ha) M 38 GREEN 10. Chepstow, Leicester Road, London E11 (0.5977ha) HAINAULT 11. Findlay House, 7 Manor Road, Woodford Green, Essex (1.29ha)

7 G 11 N

12. Station Estate, off Eastwood Close, South Woodford, London (0.76ha) I 8 D O WOODFORD Fairlop Waters 13. 74a Nightingale Lane, Wanstead E11 (0.14ha) R BRIDGE 5 14. Fullwell Avenue Playing Fields (1.77ha) R E IV 15. Land at Redbridge Station (0.75ha) R

16. Odeon site. 454-468 Eastern Avenue (0.44ha) 6 A406 14 17. Barnardo's HQ site, Tanners Lane, Barkingside (1.2ha) 4 BARKINGSIDE 18. New Mossford site, part of Barnardo's Village (1.86ha) 12 18 17 SOUTH 2 19. Parham Drive, former Car Park adjacent to 37 N 5 & 7 Parham Drive, Gants Hill (0.29ha) WOODFORD 1 20. Citygate House, 399-425 Eastern Avenue (0.35ha) A 1 4 A12 21. Surface Car Park, Winston Way, Ilford (1.039ha) Waltham 0 39 Forest 9 0 22. Ley Street Car Park & Bus Depot (0.80ha) 13 GANTS 23. 6, 7, & 8 Mill Road, Ilford (0.32ha) 10 NEWBURY Schemes with Planning Permission acquired by REDBRIDGE HILL PARK developer - under construction or recently completed 24. Jumpin' Jaks, 246-250 High Road, Ilford (0.15ha) 2 15 20 19 33 * A1 Schemes with Planning Permission but not started on 25. Former Loxford Allotment site, adjacent to junction of 27 Loxford Lane & South Park Drive, Ilford (2.0ha) 16 site/not implemented CHADWELL 26. The Plough Public House, 417 Ilford Lane (0.3ha) 36 Schemes with no Planning Permission - Opportunity Sites WANSTEAD HEATH 27. Arodene House, 41-55 Perth Road, Gants Hill (1.63ha) SEVEN KINGS Mixed Use Schemes over 1 Hectare

28. 410-418 Ilford Lane, Ilford (0.84ha) A Mixed Use Schemes under 1 Hectare 4 29. 674-700 High Road, Seven Kings (1.06ha) 0 6 29 Residential Schemes with more than 10 units 30. Ilford Wharf, Roden Street, Ilford (0.25ha) GOODMAYES S School 34 22 31 32 L 31. 461 High Road, Ilford (0.22ha) L Leisure Scheme 24 21 S 32. Cricklefields Athletic Club & Public Bath site, High Road, Ilford (4.26ha) H Health 33. Former King George Hospital Site, 23 35 * Hotel Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park (0.473ha) 30 ILFORD Green Open Spaces 34. 1-5 Hainault Bridge Road & rear of 9-13 Hainault Street, Ilford (0.02ha) To STRATFORD, 35. Pioneer Point, Winston Way, Ilford (0.19ha) CANARY WHARF & Barking & Railway Line & Stations 25 Dagenham LIVERPOOL STREET London Underground Stations 36. PLA site, The Drive, Ilford (10.9ha) Newham 28 37. 366-380 Horns Road, Barkingside (0.07ha) 26 H Based on Ordnance Survey material with permission of HMSO. 38. Five Oaks Lane, Hainault (22ha) LB Redbridge 100017755 & MSA Agreement No. DRED104. c Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. 39. Former Hamilton Service Station, Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright & may lead to 751-753 Cranbrook Road, Ilford (0.10ha) prosecution or civil proceedings.

20 1. Gordon House, 31 Woodford Road, London E18 (0.07ha)

2. 100a Pulteney Road, South Woodford, Essex E18 (0.0507ha)

3. 577-579 High Road, Woodford Green IG8 (0.10ha) Redbridge Current & Future Regeneration Activity

4. Land to rear of The George Public House, 70-74 High Road, South Woodford, Essex (0.07ha) What’s happening

5. 253-269 High Road, Woodford Green, Essex (0.35ha) To STANSTED AIRPORT

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21 Pioneer Point in association with Empire Property Group Ltd & Henry Developments Ltd

Pioneer Point is a brand new landmark development in London.

• 279 luxury apartments

• 1 & 2 bedroom apartments available

• Stunning views

• 80,000 sq ft of commercial space

Empire Property Group is proud to be associated with the London Borough of Redbridge’s Progressive Ilford Plan and their adoptive stratergy and outlook towards the planning process as a whole

As works have now commenced on site, we very much look forward to continuing the working relationship with Redbridge in building and meeting the aspirations of local residents and their ideals for the future.

We will make a positive contribution to creating a Town Centre that will benefit the residents of Redbridge.

Pioneer Point, we believe, forms the catalyst with regard to starting the regeneration framework within the area. The development itself will certainly put Ilford, not only on the map, but also on the skyline as the two towers themselves stand 33 and 24 stories high.

www.pioneerpoint-sales.com Gateway Olympic legacy to the Games Rebridge businesses are ideally placed to maximise the many opportunities from the neighbouring Olympic Games in 2012. Ali Jones investigates

hen London won the 2012 What has already put Redbridge on Olympic bid on Wednesday the 2012 map is the impressive new cycle 6 July 2005, the whole nation facility in Redbridge, which has brought Wcheered – and none more in £5.5 million investment to the borough. so than the London Borough of Redbridge. Relocating Eastway Cycle Circuit to Hog Hill While the country basked in the victory of in Hainault will provide a top-class cycle beating strong competition from competing circuit as well as significant scope for off- nations, east Londoners were already road cycling. Redbridge is working closely starting to look forward to the anticipated with British Cycling to ensure that this will new opportunities for local people and offer not only a first-rate competition venue businesses, with promises of improved but also a brand new facility for the whole sports facilities, more housing, jobs, skills community in Redbridge. The Hog Hill track and better transport facilities – all giving a is great news for Redbridge and cyclists brighter outlook to the local economy. across London and will be an excellent Perfectly placed to reap the benefits of provision for amateur and professional 2012, Redbridge is the closest geographical cyclists alike, while at the same time neighbour to the Olympic Park and encouraging others to get on a bike and the five host boroughs, and in a prime enjoy the outdoors. location to play a pivotal part in the Redbridge Council’s cabinet member delivery of essential goods and services for leisure, culture and the Olympics, to the Games. Keen to capitalise on its Ronnie Barden, says: “Hog Hill Cycling location and proximity to Olympic Park, the Centre will not only provide a superb borough is developing an Olympic 2012 venue for competitive cycling but will be strategy, setting out its aspirations. Initial a facility for the whole community. I am scoping work, which will form the basis of particularly keen that the young people of a consultation programme that will start the borough use the site and all the cycling over the coming months, has identified six disciplines that will be based there. The key areas: regeneration; tourism; young centre – suitable for recreational, training people; culture; sport, physical activity and and racing events – is an early benefit health; and community engagement. of the London 2012 Olympic Games and The council wants to encourage local Paralympic Games and I would like to businesses to maximise on opportunities personally thank the London Development offered by the Olympic and Paralympic Agency, the many cyclists and cycling Games, both in business development and organisations that have worked so hard corporate commitment, to deliver wider to make this happen. I look forward to the social, environmental and community centre opening later in the year.” benefits. They also, more obviously, have Hog Hill was chosen as the preferred the opportunity to capitalise on the sheer option to replace Eastway Cycle Circuit increase in visitor numbers. following more than a year of > 23 olympic legacy

consultation and meetings between the for the 2008 Olympic Games and A focus on LDA, British Cycling, Eastway users, cycling Paralympics Games. The teachers could groups and local authorities. The complex compare different classroom styles and sport and will be run by Redbridge Council and is due share ideas about how pupils in Redbridge to open in autumn 2007. could become involved in London’s bid for health will The games also brings a unique the 2012 Games. opportunity for Redbridge to boost its There are also plans to develop a also have a tourism – and local businesses will be young ambassador scheme as well as urged to promote this. Like Manchester volunteering opportunities for young huge impact at the time of the Commonwealth people. For school-leavers, the borough Games, Redbridge wants to both will promote training and employment on the local maximise its visitors and improve tourist opportunities linked to 2012 in ways that facilities, including the quality of hotel are relevant to young people. community accommodation. Redbridge is at the A focus on sport and health will gateway to the countryside for tourists and also have a huge impact on the local it is important that the visitor experience community, and a number of initiatives are is highly publicised and is of a high already under way by the council to nurture quality. Improvements will be made to potential Olympian talent: the local tourism infrastructure and visitor experience in Redbridge. Skills 2012 building the human It’s also important that local people resources for the sector are encouraged to actively participate Club 2012 building the capacity in the games and relish the synergy of clubs for long-term between culture and sport. Culture and retention of participants sport can also be used to raise important through opportunities for environmental issues of sustainability, progression and competition health and wellbeing. Parallel education Access 2012 making opportunities for programmes are being planned to sports participation more enhance the learning, skills and personal widely available development of young people. Also, a Fit 4 2012 building the physical activity four-year cultural festival is planned that levels in the community at will start at the handover at the end of large the Beijing Games in summer 2008 and Talent 2012 building programmes for continue up to and over the period of the talent identification and games in summer 2012. The festival will development. take place across the whole of London and The emphasis on physical activity and Other key Redbridge plans to play a part in this, healthier lifestyles will be omnipresent in developments include: contributing to events, exhibitions and the build up to the Games, as will provision educational activities. of medical and health services during the n Refurbishment of The 2012 games can also be used as a Games. Wanstead Leisure Centre and Ashton brilliant opportunity to promote a healthy It is vital for Redbridge to develop its Playing Fields. lifestyle and a love of sport to children and communication structures and channels to n Plans for development young people. Plans are already afoot for a keep the community informed about 2012, of a new major leisure ‘healthy schools’ programme, the national particularly the harder-to-reach groups. development in Ilford. n Submission of long term initiative that helps young people Inspiring the local community is vital. For applications for and their schools to be healthy, as well as instance, the borough is using Redbridge pre-games training ways of using the Olympic and Paralympics Cycle track and the £5.5 million investment camps, working in in a promotional way to help fight against into the borough to demonstrate to the partnership with Redbridge Sport racism and bullying in the community. community the tangible benefits that 2012 & Leisure and There will also be new opportunities for will bring. Redbridge Judo Club community participation for care-leavers. One of the priorities governing the to attract Olympic and Schools will also be called upon to get contents of London’s bid was to avoid Paralympics teams to Redbridge. involved. Indeed, teachers from Oakdale creating a white elephant, symbolic of so Junior School in Redbridge have already many other Olympic games. To be sure visited a school in Beijing to find out how that important venues and stadiums do children are getting involved in preparation not go to waste, the organising committee

24 has planned what to do with them after cultural facilities and quality residential Olympic legacy the games. All venues that will not have a and visitor accommodation, Redbridge planned use after the games are over will Council has already shown its commitment be built as temporary venues. The vision of to working with partners in delivering a the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic legacy for local people. • Games will leave behind great sporting facilities, including swimming pools, cycling facilities and new tennis courts. These will be open for all Londoners to enjoy and create a legacy for the future. Redbridge will be part of that future, Above: Eastway Cycle Circuit, a valuable local resource shortly to be relocated to a £5.5 and with excellent transport links to the million new facility. Below: The Olympic Park competition venues, modern sporting and will transform East London

25 consultation

Talking ‘bout regeneration

Redbridge’s progressive edbridge, home to a diverse borough. We believe Redbridge and Ilford population of 240,000 people, are ready to meet head-on the challenges attitude to consultation has been identified by the we face. Together, we are determined to means that residents Rgovernment as one of its top promote Ilford as an exciting, vibrant and priority regeneration areas in the UK. The cosmopolitan town centre in which people will be at the heart of the borough was recently awarded £2.3 million will seek to live, work and invest.” borough’s boom. Robert Communities and Local Government’s Securing benefits for the borough Jones reports Growth Area funding to undertake a range will, however, require a positive and of improvements in preparation for the proactive commitment among Redbridge’s exciting Unity Square in Ilford (see p14), stakeholders, so Redbridge Council is the £100 million first phase of a 30-year committed to working with partners in vision called ‘Progressive Ilford’. The project delivering a legacy for local people. Issues will feature a variety of open spaces for such as housing affordability, community recreation, cultural and pavement activities, involvement and consultation are all part of open-air events, residential and business a selection process that aim to get the best space and premises for community use. The for the people of Redbridge. Research has grant is the second awarded to the project, shown that councils can learn from leading after a £2 million award last year. firms in understanding the kind of services Major housing and business growth people want. will, hopefully, take place in Redbridge over Redbridge’s attitude to consultation the next 10-20 years, with Ilford, home to is progressive, involving numerous nearly three quarters of a million people, processes to satisfy both local residents and the borough’s main focus. Alan Weinberg, government legislation. The council uses leader of the council, was delighted by consultation to try to encourage people to the announcement of the grant. He said: participate more actively in the public life of “This is a tremendous vote of confidence the borough, making sure the views of all in this important project which is vital to residents are properly heard and taken into maintaining Ilford’s competitive edge as account and providing feedback to local a metropolitan town centre able to offer people on how their views influenced the outstanding quality residential, retail and decision-making process. As the process cultural facilities.” also involves ensuring that community Roger Hampson, chief executive of consultation is co-ordinated across services, Redbridge Council, believes that the the council work with other organisations, continuing development of town centres is operating within the borough, to identify crucial to growth and prosperity. He says: opportunities for sharing resources, expertise “Today, Ilford provides a social, economic and outcomes of consultation. and cultural focus for the multicultural John Pearce, head of planning policy communities of Redbridge and beyond. and implementation at Redbridge Ilford is once again ready to renew and Council, said: “We have found that good regenerate. New transport systems, consultation leads to less objections. Due high-quality housing, retail and leisure to the involvement of different community facilities will provide the impetus for wealth representatives and a variety of groups creation and prosperity for the people of the looking at all aspects of planning, the > 26 Consultation

27 consultation

response to the Ilford town centre to the Ilford AAP, it has been decided to “We have development has been positive, particularly prepare it as part of the emerging local when compared with the number of development framework, a move that has found objections to previous plans for the area.” been replicated for the Gants Hill town The consultation for Ilford town centre Centre AAP. that good has now moved into the formal stage after A population surge is expected in Redbridge Council recently submitted the the next 10 years due, to Redbridge’s consultation town centre area action plan (AAP) to the strategic position within the Thames secretary of state. In May the council held Gateway, as well as its proximity to the leads to less a public meeting to explain the contents 2012 Olympic Games, and new housing will of the AAP, which shows how growth can be especially important to the borough’s objection” be accommodated and used to improve ongoing development. Construction of the vitality and prosperity of the town for 250 residential units is already under way, the benefit of residents and visitors. All and additional development of some 180 comments and objections received by units per year is predicted for the next 15 8 June were passed to the independent years. In terms of the need for affordable government inspector for consideration. housing, the council worked with housing The inspector will then report to the council associations to provide over 200 new and offer advice on whether any changes affordable homes last year. In the future, are needed leaving the council free to local authority housing in the borough adopt the AAP, including any changes will be transferred to a not-for-profit made by the inspector. organisation called Redbridge Homes, a AAPs, drawn up to help regeneration move designed to help to provide extra of a certain area, have also been drafted money for improvements. Pearce believes: for both South Woodford and Barkingside. “Housing demand is a significant driver However, to try and provide longevity in terms of planning and development in Redbridge.” Regeneration, and therefore consultation, will be at the hub of the exciting challenges Redbridge faces in the coming years as it continues to seek to attract external funding and build partnerships to help turn the vision for the area into reality. Pearce argues: “Regeneration and growth go hand in hand, and both are set to continue in Redbridge for many years. The stringent housing targets and the focus on town centres should, hopefully, lead to a more buoyant economy in the area, with Redbridge becoming a place where more and more people want to come and live.” •

Above: some of the many new homes in Ilford town centre. Left: The cafe in Ilford’s town centre mall

28 Are you helping to transform Redbridge? vision Business forum issue#1

issue#1 spring/summer 2007 vision The regeneration magazine of Redbridge Counci

inside: opportunity: A borough on the brink of huge growth, for business and residents LoCAtion, LoCAtion, LoCAtion: Transport links, Thames Gateway, Olympics...

Use Vision magazine to promote your company and its work to more than 35,000 regeneration professionals. Contact Lee Harrison 020 7978 6840. town centre character

Balancing act What makes a town centre tick is at the very heart of the best regeneration plans, which are as much about keeping character as creating new buildings. Kirsty MacAulay reports

he word regeneration example, Ilford town centre’s conjures up images present population of just of ultra-modern 400 will significantly increase T buildings, demolition as 5,000 new homes are sites and big developments, created over the next 10 but that is not the whole story. years. John Pearce, Redbridge Regeneration is not all about Council’s head of planning the new buildings – it also policy and implementation, needs to enhance the character explains: “Households are of an area, playing to its becoming smaller and there strengths and ensuring positive is high demand for one- and elements are preserved. Great two-bedroom properties. emphasis must be placed on Our borough is full of three- making sure developments bedroom houses, which are are located appropriately to suffering from huge under- protect and complement the occupancy, so it makes sense town’s principal attributes, to locate growth in town fundamental to the essence of centres where developments the area. will offer smaller units.” Redbridge is determined As well as changing the face that its regeneration will of Redbridge’s town centres, enhance, rather than detract the new urban population will from, the character of its also generate more trade, town centres. The vision for promote vitality and encourage the anticipated large influx the evening economy and of residents, thanks to the increase security. Murray The move borough’s close proximity to Broad, senior policy planner the proposed Thames Gateway at Redbridge Council, argues: towards and Stratford developments, is “You can see the changes in The regeneration plan, in for urban rather than suburban Ilford already. There are more line with this trend, includes city living living, with residential people in the town centre after the creation of a new leisure development concentrated work and the numbers will centre and the development will lead in the town centres. This is in increase as more residential of a new civic space – Unity line with the substantial trend developments are completed. Square. As well as providing to quite a towards city living across The move towards city living a focal point for the town it turnaround the UK as the government will lead to quite a turnaround will offer a new theatre and pushes councils to encourage for the town centre and should concert hall alongside existing for the town sustainable development. be complemented by an leisure facilities, including a Introducing residential expanded retail and leisure bowling alley, cinema, library centre projects within Redbridge’s offer to support the subsequent and restaurants. This variety town centres will dramatically growth in the evening of entertainment is expected change their make-up. For economy.” to bring a more diverse mix 30 Town centre character centre Town

of people into the town centre to obliterate Ilford and start is changing, Redbridge Ilford Town Hall, at the heart and, in turn, establish a vibrant again from scratch – we want Council undertakes regular of Redbridge’s community atmosphere. Ilford to keep the best of what we’ve town centre ‘health checks’ ‘capital town’. town centre manager Reg got. We want to encourage to ascertain details such as Woda believes it will create distinctiveness and areas of footfall, types of retailers and “a village environment in a character such as the High number of vacant retail units. metropolitan centre”. Road, which is highly valued They include a survey of user The success of a and well used, Ilford Lane, habits to discover what facilities regeneration programme often where there is a strong ethnic people use and what they feel hangs on how well the essence minority retail element, and the is lacking, and the results form of the town centre has been western end of the town, which a base from which to plan preserved. “It is a question stretches down to the river.” improvements. of balance,” explains Pearce. To assess how the As a retail and leisure “For example, we don’t want character of each town centre destination Ilford is in direct > 31 town centre character

Regeneration must maintain open spaces, suburban areas and the leafy character of the neighbourhoods

competition with nearby village atmosphere that makes In Gants Hill it is understood Hainault Business shopping centres Bluewater, them particularly desirable, that there is a very real Improvement District Romford and Lakeside. Pearce especially as they are within need for development, but believes it is important to retain easy reach of central London, the close-knit community is Hainault Business Park became the second industrial estate in the the town’s leading edge: “We giving residents the best of keen to retain the small town country in March 2006 to form a can’t afford to stay where both worlds. atmosphere. The area action business improvement district we are in such a competitive South Woodford, the largest plan suggests this can be (BID). Participating companies field. We need to respond district centre in Redbridge, done in two ways: requiring contribute 1% extra on the business rates to undertake five to the challenge from other avoided significant bomb development to respect the years’ activities deemed to be in districts or Ilford will lose trade damage during the war scale of existing buildings their collective interests. and decline.” This is echoed (unlike Ilford). As a result it and improving pedestrian Following the success of by Woda, who claims: “Our has retained its original form, access. James Hetherington, its initial initiatives – installing security cameras and traffic challenge is to hang onto which strengthens the village implementation team leader management to address our core customer base and atmosphere, further enhanced at Redbridge Council, says: concerns such as crime and enhance it through the town’s these days by a combination “Gants Hill is a small suburban trading conditions – the BID development.” of historic buildings, a town centre and residents are has put itself at the forefront of broader regeneration objectives. Woda continues: “The cinema, Waitrose and quality understandably apprehensive For example, it has begun a retail units here cover a broad restaurants. of dramatic change, but we programme of local procurement, spectrum. We have retailers The South Woodford feel it is possible to achieve network meetings, e-commerce that have been trading in area action plan states that increased density without and intra-trading to improve competitiveness, and has Ilford for more than 100 years, “opportunity for development building tall towers.” engaged local schools and the and are still very popular must contribute to the The heart of Gants Hill town wider community in a programme today. We are aware that continued prosperity of the centre is dominated by a busy of environmental improvements, the town has deficiencies, area. Good building design roundabout and the roads off job and skills training or work placements, all designed to it needs an outstanding is essential to ensure new it which effectively divide the hotel and restaurant, but constructions are in proportion area and limit much of the hopefully that will come with with existing buildings.” pedestrian access to subways. the redevelopment. The Unity Similarly, it is clear The regeneration plans focus Square project will provide that Wanstead Village’s on improving pedestrian links, an opportunity to design distinctiveness does not in a bid to enhance the town something that fits what people preclude good, contemporary centre atmosphere. One idea of today expect from a town design, which adds to was to turn the roundabout into centre.” the area’s vibrancy. While a piazza, giving the town centre According to a council the village’s 250 street a more people-friendly focal survey, residents believe trees make an enormous point. regeneration priorities contribution to the character All in all, exciting times should be to maintain open of the conservation area, and are around the corner for spaces, suburban areas and residents want to both protect Redbridge, as its town centres the leafy character of the the wooded areas and variety are transformed into thriving neighbourhoods. Chadwell of architectural styles, they urban districts built on a policy Heath, South Woodford and don’t want them to hinder the of enhancing distinctiveness Wanstead in particular benefit viability of the town centre as a through preservation and good from open spaces and a commercial success. building design. • 32 Town centre character centre Town Town centre character centre Town

Wanstead’s Christ Church, at the heart of the picturesque town centre

33 services

Redbridge ● Marc Dorfman Chief planning and regeneration officer Tel: 020 8708 2067 Fax: 020 8708 2985 planning and Email: [email protected] ● Mark Lucas Head of regeneration regeneration Tel: 020 8708 2143 Fax: 020 8708 2379 Email: [email protected]

contacts ● E Watson and J Hetherington Acting heads of planning policy and implementation Tel: 020 8708 2235 Fax: 020 8708 2062

● John Pearce Interim head of development control Tel: 020 8708 2052 Fax: 020 8708 2199 Email: [email protected]

● Roy Gregory Chief property manager Tel: 020 8708 3201 Fax: 020 8708 3985 Email: [email protected]

● Geoff Claxton Head of transportation Tel: 020 8708 3670 Fax: 020 8708 3970 Email: [email protected]

● Iain Varah Chief culture and community learning services officer Tel: 020 8708 2012 Fax: 020 8708 3178 Email: [email protected]

● Hemant Amin Business competitiveness manager Tel: 020 8708 2173 Fax: 020 8708 2379 Email: [email protected]

● Julie Khan Employment and skills development manager Tel: 020 8708 2974 Fax: 020 8708 2379 Email: [email protected]

● John Turkson Manager – Redbridge Strategic Partnership Tel: 020 8708 2381 Fax: 020 8708 2376 Email: [email protected]

34 Redbridge Planning and Regeneration for a new Generation…

Townscape of Ilford town centre Find out more; www.redbridge.gov.uk London Borough of Redbridge, Planning & Regeneration, PO Box 2, 128-142 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1DD Bellway Essex Developments Clarendon Gate Mill Road, Colchester 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £210,000 Sales Centre Tel: 01206 385929 Daily 10am – 5.30pm

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For more information please call our sales hotline www.bellway.co.uk 01245 357520 Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Photography for illustration purposes only.

E_Vision_270x210_03_09.indd 1 5/9/07 17:00:42