THE HACKNEY LEE VALLEY FORUM'S 1983/84 REPORT - OUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE I FF VALLEY REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY' S REVIEW OF ITS MASTER PLAN.

BY MILLFIELDE MIKE GRAY 1.00 PURPOSE AND IMMEDIATE BACKGROUND OF REPORT

1.01 Purpose

This Report sets out the ideas of the Hackney Lee Valley Forum for the Lee Valley in the Hackney area.

We hope that our Report will be the start of a debate in Hackney as to how this vast area of open space can be put to best use for the leisure needs of ourselves and future generations.

We hope for a debate which will lead to the progressive improvement of the Lee Valley as a place to wander, a place which will be properly secured for everyone to enjoy. Anyone in Hackney interested in the future of the Lee Valley is invited to contact any of our members. (See the back page of this Report). We will be happy to explain our ideas on the Lee Valley and to listen to yours and so help to create the conditions for a new plan for the Lee Valley which takes account of the wishes of local people for its future.

1.02 Immediate Background

The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is reviewing its "Master Plan" (its blueprint for the development of the ) and is making an effort at consultation with local people in developing its future plans. • «-e. ..., The main consultations are planned to take place with the A series of six Thursday evening outdoor meetings to explore. local authorities who will be putting to the Park Authority discuss and help to plan the future of the River Lee Park in and - • rr their views on how the park should be developed. However, around Hackney. • * the Lee Valley has been so long neglected that Hackney 441. Council rightly feels it wants to hear the views of lnics1 12th May: The Filter Beds and Millfields. people before putting its views to the Park Authority. 26th May: Around . Ir** ' • 9th June: Springfield Park and Reservoirs. • In March 1983, Hackney Council called a public meeting to 23rd June: Low Hall and Marshes. discuss the future of the Lee Valley in our area and a 7th July: Bully Fen. decision was made to establish a Hackney Lee Valley forum 21st July: Walthamstow Reservoirs. open to all people interested in its future. The forum has held six public walks which have penetrated every All meetings start from The Prince of Wales, corner of the Lee Valley around Hackney and trespassed on at 7.00 p.m. sharp. Dogs Welcome! lard owned by half a dozen public bodies in the process!

For further information please ring: Laurie Elks 986 5378, Philip Jordan 986 9208, or Mike Grey 985 4438. 2.00 INDEX 2 11"Hrtrg e \ 'V 1 Springfield Marina ILLUSTRATION TEXT PALM 2 Lea Bridge Riding School 3 Lea Bridge Ice Rink Hackney Cut by Millfields 4 Eastway Centre 8 0,,cte Circuit Title Front 5 Pitch 'n Putt Course Cover

Hackney Council poster 1.00 Purpose of Report & 1 for the Forum's Walks Immediate Background Basic Diagram & Park Facilities 2.00 Index 2 of approximate boundaries Built up v. Open 3.00 General Introduction Space 4.00 The Lee Valley - for 3 Hackney Waterways 4.00 The Lee Valley - for 4 Hackney (continued) Key Diagram for 5.00 The Forum Approach 5 Area Proposals /Reservoirs 6.00 Area Proposals - North 6 Springfield Park & Marina 7 & Lew Hall Area Millfields & Power Station 7.00 Area Proposals - 8 Centre/Lea Bridge litlarf & Tinyton Marshes 9 Essex & Middlesex Filter Beds 9 4 c7raY Dans I Marsh Lane Area 8.00 Area Proposals - 10 • .vim 44. & Hackney Marshes Centre/South Ni-ra ” r AL'4 4 :1 nIfrfi tb • te tt t II Mabley Green & Arena Field 11 sz._ a. A f- & Bow Back Rivers 9.00 Area Proposals - 12 South & Beyond e. Conservation Areas Proposed 10.00 Area Proposals - 13 n ri Main Theme Analysis Pathways Proposed 10.00 Area Proposal - Main 14 Theme Analysis (contd) Some places with work proposed 11.00 The Future - Beginning 15 HACKNEY FJ5 the Dialogue IFF VALLEY FORUM DIAGRAM Showing: Park Facilities & Landscaping/Planting proposed 12.00 Forum Contributors Is -...... Approx Pork Bou ary Vt-.4 1Y:re t Borough Boundaries The Ice Rink 12.00 (Con) Forum Feedback Back .;11,0304,:goRarkt 4-11. LEE VALLEY FORUM Cover a ' tY_'.1'4113s 3.00 GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THIS REPORT

3.01 About this Report - This Report has started from the ground up. Our walks were planned to see the Lee Valley as it is and to discuss how it could be best improved, incorporating existing features of value. Nearly all of the ideas in this Report have arisen in this way.

These ideas are not meant to be final. They are meant to provoke discussion and argument so it becomes clear what people want for and fran the Lee Valley. Also they are in outline at this stage. then it becomes clear which proposals have strong support we can ask the Lee Valley Park Authority to cost them out in greater detail. Public discussion must cane first.

3.02 Format - We have explored the whole area fran Ferry Lane (in ) to Carpenters Road (in Stratford). The Report sets out our ideas, area by area, 14 in all. The areas are of course not self-contained and indeed our Report lays strong emphasis on making access fran one area to another easy and attractive. In the final sections of the Report we look at some of the general themes linking the various area proposals.

4.00 THE LEE VALLEY : A Major Resource of Hackney

4.01 The Potential at Hackney's Back Door - At Hackney's back door, the Lee Valley park offers by far the largest continuous area of open space available not only to the people of Hackney but to London as a whole.

Since 1967, the Lee Valley, which runs fran Bow to Ware in , has been protected by an Act of Parliament as Britain's first and to date only regional park. It has its own authority, the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which is generously funded by precepts fran the rates of the GLC, Essex and Herts. so that it can preserve and develop the whole of the Lee Valley fran Bow in East London to Ware in Hertfordshire as:-

"a place for the occupation of leiSure, recreation, sport games or amusements or any other similar activity and for I FF VALLEY FORUM DIAGRAM the provision of nature reserves and for the provision and Showing: Built Up enjoyment of entertainment...." (Lee Valley Regional Park v Open Space Act 1966.) 4.02 The Potential Unrealised - Despite the vast potential offered by the huge open space allied with a publicly funded park authority the Lee Valley in and around Hackney still feels unkempt and uncared for.

True the park authority has funded several "regional" projects locally such as The Springfield Marina, the Lea Bridge Horse Riding Stables, The Eastway Sports Centre and the cycling track, and the new ice rink at Lea Bridge.

But unfortunately, little or nothing has been done to improve the general aspect of the Lee Valley. Public aspirations for improvement of the Lee Valley and interest in its use remain low and except for footballers, few people use and enjoy the Lee Valley outside the paying facilities developed by the Park Authority. Use by footballers of the pitches in the area is confined to weekends and mostly Sunday mornings. Unfortunately great expanses of unused pitches make a desolate scene.

4.03 The Park Authority's Decision to review its Master Plan - In theory, the park is under the control of the local authorities who nominate members for its governing body. In practice during the 1970s the member councils lost HACKNEY interest in influencing the authority which is run from MARSH headquarters in Enfield. The park thus developed without the influence of local people.

In 1979 Save the Marshes Campaign and the Lee Valley Association were formed. Save the Marshes aimed to prevent Walthamstow Marshes being turned over to gravel extraction and to preserve the marshes as a nature reserve.

The Lee Valley Association's aim was to persuade the park to undertake a fundamental rethink of its strategy away from its emphasis on large scale paying facilities. Both campaigns have been successful.

The Walthamstow marshes have not only been saved but are r it).".. .... 4 k to be designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest HACKNEY by The Nature Conservancy Council. Meanwhile the Park Authority eventually conceded in 1981 that it needed to I PP VALLEY FORUM DIAGRAM carry out a uAtiplete review of its plans. This report will Showing: Waterways & be the basis of the Forum's contribution to this review. Waterspaces I FF VALLEY FORUM 5.00 THE FORUM APPROACH

5.01 The Public Walks - As the reproduction poster on Page NO. 1 shows, a series of walks were devised which had the dual purpose of reaching a wider public audience throughout —WAOHAMSTOW Hackney and neighbouring areas and also using the walks RESERVOIRS '°"' themselves as a sort of mobile meeting/investigation.

Most of the people who came discovered that there was a lot more in the Lee Valley than they realised, either closed off to public access or so neglected that people never thought of going there!

5.02 The Area Proposals - After the walks a series of proposals have been bantered out that relate to specific areas along the Valley-areas shown opposite/as follows:-

. salloca LEYTON- AREA NORTH 6.01 Walthamstow Reservoirs WHARV SH Pages 6 & 7 6.02 Walthamstow Marshes 6.03 Springfield Park & Marina 6.04 Low Hall Area

AREA CENTRE 7.01 Millfields /LEA BRIDGE 7.02 Clapton Power Station HACKNEY MARSHES Pages 8 a 9 7.0: -ex Wharf & Leyton Marshes ;erect. .round 7.04 & Middlesex Filter Beds a AREA CENTRE 8.01 Marsh Lane Area /SOUTH 8.02 Hackney Marshes Pages 10 &II 8.03 Mabley Green 1 BOW ,v, 8.04 Hackney Stadium and Arena Field /BACK RIVERS AREA SOUTH 9.01 Temple Mills \s1A, 9.02 Bow Back Rivers uopENTER, & BEYOND eater Following these specific area proposals the plans on pages HACKNEY 13 to 15 show our proposals for new pathways, conservation I PF VALLEY FORUM DIAGRAM areas and "focal points" of interest in the Valley. The Showing POSITION KEY FOR final section of the text sets out our general recommendation AREA PROPOSALS C embracing the three major themes of our proposals;

. . environmental improvement, provision of better means of FP access by land and water and development of the Park in VALLEY FORUM consultation with its users. WALTHAM STOW RESERVOIRS & MARSHES 6.00 AREA PROPOSALS - NORTH dr" 4104 f(0 6.01 Walthamstow Reservoirs • wAcHnensruw / RESEFNOIRS =" This delightful area includes about 250 acres of open water. 3449 It includes some interesting industrial buildings, is of ,see 4,4 1,41: considerable ornithological importance and provides first class facilities for fishing. Access is strictly limited to holders of passes which are obtainable only on written application to the Thames Water Authority in Waltham Cross.

(1) The area should be included in an extended nature reserve. Car Park EsEkx& amN (2) The pass system should continue but with greater flexibility. Sane days could be set aside for public access and passes should be obtainable locally. 7 Mark- (3) An entrance should be provided at the Coppermill Lane held Pa end for walkers from the Hackney direction. (4) The Old Copper Mill (a listed building) could be used as an information centre and refreshment room.

(5) The east bank of the and, if possible, roposed Warwick Reservoir West should be made fully accessible to New Coppermill the public. The riverside area south of the Barking-Gospel Lane Entrance Oak line should be landscaped as part of the new pedestrian & Centre and cycle route. 6.02 Walthamstow Marshes

An area of marshland unique in the Inner London area. The forum supports the objective of the Save the Marshes Campaign to have the area designated and managed as a nature reserve.

(1) The gates designed to keep motor-cyclists from the Marshes do not work - a more effective method which does not give annoyance to legitimate users should be sought.

(2) Sane appropriate tree planting could be considered along railway embankments

(3) Low Hall and Copper Mill triangles to be incorporated into and managed as part of the nature reserve.

Troxtus LVRPA Foot/Cycle Path -7 n ma Proposed Foot/Cycle Path Tottenham LVRPA Foot/Lytle Path 6.03 Springfield Park Area and Marina Proposed Water Bus Stop rrn-c- Proposed Foot/Cycle Path (1) The former G.U.S. sportsground, now publicly owned, should be managed with a firm commitment to secure its pavilion and facilities for regular public access and use. The riverside frontage should be improved and made a point of access to the ground.

(2) The White House in Springfield Park could be put to better use including both a meeting/exhibition room as well as a good cheap cafe.

(3) High Hill Ferry area needs toilet facilities and improved railings and mooring points with a landing stage for a possible water - bus trip on the southern stretch of the Lee.

(4) A footpath linking the towpath to Leaside Road and Clapton Station appears worth investigation with British Rail.

(5) Springfield Marina needs a great deal of tidying up to become a really attractive feature; Horseshoe Island should be preserved as a bird santuary.

C 6.04 Low Hall Area

Mostly laid out as a recreation ground but includes es some surprisingly beautiful wild areas and water channels. Rion (1) Coppermill "aqueduct" and flood-relief channel should Protect be opened up as water side walk ways by removing corrugated Springfield iron screens and taking out concrete from the aqueduct banks. Marina Island Springfield (2) Low Hall recreation ground would be improved by perimeter F'ropos Park tree planting. The old tree nursery could become an arboretum. High The pavilion should be improved so as to provide better changing ' Hill facilities for sporting users and a sunner tea garden with Facthfie additional facilities, such as putting and bowls.

(3) A bridge or official level crossing should be established Field 4 across the railway linking with Low Hall. .11 behind . Riding Stables (4) More tree planting in the field behind riding stables. -7 17 (5) The "Black path" should be improved by planting, regular cleaning and signposting. It could be upgraded to a cycle way.. To Ctapton BR Station Lea Bridge SPRINGFIRn PARK & MARINA+ LOW HALL Proposed Water Bus Stop 7.00 AREA PROPOSALS - CENTRAL/LEA BRIDGE 8

This area should be developed as a key focal point in the park providing a wide variety of sporting and leisure activities. The various areas are dealt with separately:-

7.01 Millfields - At present mostly closely mown grassland but with nature trees mostly on the periphery. Facilities provided for football, cricket and tennis.

FILTER (1) Many details could be improved e.g. demolition of RED brick enclosure between South Millfields and the River. FOINE12 ,S1ATION (2) Prince of Wales car-park area could be greatly improved. HAC/N.FY (3) The area by Casimir Road could be planted extensively with trees and shrubs and allowed to grow as natural woodland.

(4) The children's playground should be upgraded.

7.02 Power Station Site - A tree-lined riverside pathway should be provided joining the isolated southern corner of Millfields with Cow Bridge. The area released by CEGB behind the river bank could became a City Farm.

7.03 Essex Wharf and Leyton Marshes - Leyton Marsh is mostly laid out as football pitches but includes the ice-rink

01 1.- & riding stables and pitch and putt course. Essex Wharf (an - ''MMMEr'' industrial area just to the east of the Lee) is within Hackney. : ,,A•at,. TIR1 4---a (1) The Victorian character of Essex Wharf should be preserved 4. _Nino rather than the area developed as modern industrial units. =,a,N Compulsory purchase of the property should be considered and the area developed as small craft workshops and co-ops e.g. for small boat building. The old ox-bow nearby should be re-excavated to provide rowing boat hire facilities or mooring points. With the river front improved it is potentially a very attractive area. Facilities could be provided for a weekend market as at Camden Lack in an equally picturesque setting.

(2) The redevelopment of Lathams Timber Yard opposite Essex Wharf should incorporate continued industrial use on the waterfront ideally retaining the existing timber sheds with priority to tenants who will make use of the Lee Navigation as a commercial waterway. The redevelopment should also provide for an improved (1As2crc.LVRPA- Foot/Cycle Path aspect from Millfields. MILFIELDS & 'POWER STATION nnizcsoscProposed Foot/Cyde Path (3) The new ice-rink is a major recreational attraction but unfortunately it is generally considered an eye-sore. It is important to ensure that the Park Authority's promises to landscape the area through tree planting should be fulfilled.

(4) The area occupied by football pitches beside the ice rink (which can include the area in front of the riding stables) could become an adjunct to the ice rink providing grass tennis, cricket, perhaps even croquet in a landscaped setting.

(5) At the'pitch & putt course the entrance area and car park need improvement. A garden centre (housed in distinguished glass-houses) could be provided in the grassy area between the car park and the course as a complement to the botanic gardens at Essex Beds (to which it should be joined by a bridge over the flood relief channel.) A further bridge should be built across the Lee linking with Hackney Marshes allowing better access from Clapton Park and creating a circular walk. Who Retent Propornd 7.04 The Essex and Middlesex Filter Beds - A fascinating Coops, Bridge and beautiful area showing regression to nature in an area We d with strong industrial archaeological interest. The Middlesex beds lie in Hackney.

(1) The Middlesex Beds should be managed as a nature reserve ESSEX_WHARF & LEYTON MARSHES with controlled public access.

Propos--:. rden e Greenh)svi fest"- (2) Essex Beds should be retained largely in existing form Study CI keeping the filter beds unfilled. The area could become a & HQ/Mu botanical park with water gardens and conservatories. For Proposed (3) The old pump house buildings and adjoining offices should Consery be used as a study and information centre/museum for the Area entire nature conservation area comprising the reservoirs, Walthamstow Marshes and the filter beds. It is scandalous that Thames Water Authority is seeking to demolish the fine old pump house. This fine group of buildings should be preserved.

(4) A foot-path following the old aqueduct under Lea Bridge Rd could link the centre with the Walthamstow Marshes/Reservoirs conservation area. The Thames Water Authority should be persuaded to limit the area of land they wish to retain to an absolute minimum and if possible to withdraw entirely from the site. Their proposed chemical store should be resited away from the River Lee and all remaining buildings preserved. -r-ro-n-o- LYRPA Foot/C\icle Path ESSEX & MIDDX ALFER BEDS AnclutProposed Foot/Cycle Path 9 8.00 AREA PROPOSALS - CENTRE/SOUTH

LEY TON AJRSH 8'.01 Marsh Lane Area This area is reached by a pedestrian footbridge over the railway fran the pitch and putt course. It consists mostly of open recreational ground on two TOWER levels but has a potentially pleasant walk along Dagenham STATION Brook, a tributary of the Lee. „. I RAMC( mARSliES N 'TD4 (1) The area should be included in the Regional Park and MILL improved by tree planting. It could be extended if land becomes available in the defunct marshalling yards.

BOw 'BACK (2) The path along Dagenham Brook should be extended RIVERS through the allotments to Ruckholt Road, completing a circular walk with Hackney Marshes.

8.02 Hackney Marshes - Contains 350 acres of football 4 2 pitches and includes one of the most pleasant riverside r*LN walks in London along the banks of the Lee. (1) While retaining the broad open aspect the recent ''' # ".1L-Nt: , a.."iit' 1.11Vig • Old planting programme should be continued to create a woodland - --"` _._aNN. River Lee ' 11.;•‘-1-'-or•-arelite. *In-:" area adjacent to the filter beds and on both sides of the VE 11. A i4".4.ft%•,--,.,.. ai.li,"'" It rtirolrikla 40-”bigie747 sjellk;r4 III, v,-.-L . ,_ Path eastern path down to the Eastway. viztriiip4i.otv Tv:** 43-t i416,44-4.4,74, 4. ex tend if v Defunct NI to (2) Hoggin paths should be established from east to west 40.0.4wA -... and a bridge constructed over the Lee to link the Marshes kAiiic,t4e Marshalling R u hot t to the pitch and putt area. Groups of trees to be scattered ,kiikv-wiit t.€4., Yards Road along these paths which might involve the loss of one or ilic4'1,4- Proposed two football pitches. At present, full use of pitches is riV*, Increased only made on Sunday mornings (and even then some of the Facilities dozen pitches which lack changing roams are often unused), at Cow, so this should not cause inconvenience.

(3) The changing roans area near the Cow Bridge should be complemented by the provision of a refreshment roan with Lee outdoor tables on the green space between the building and Navigatt the Hackney Cut providing an attractive amenity for the local community as well as for visitors and campers. Other facilities could be considered for this area in Dauben2 consultation with Clapton Park residents. Field .)\ (4) A footpath should be established along the East bank of the Lee creating a nature trail between the present Kings bridge and the new one proposed at the pitch and putt mead course and if possible continuing through to Lea Bridge. MARSH LANE AREA & HACK MARSHES (5) A keep fit circuit should be provided on the perimeter track.

(6) A path could be created (with little alteration of existing boundaries) linking Mabley Green, Danheney Fields, Cow Bridge and Millfields along the west bank of the Hackney Cut. aL 4.01ps Hackney ik • Stadium 8.03 Mabley Green - An extension of the Hackney Marshes tie* football facility but providing also some all weather pitches. v2,116 iRroposed 4.# 10104 df d eloped 1101, sk itAt (1) More tree planting particularly on the Western and Southern lextiargin ports perimeter. vt, 4E* sure flO4 *k I tit' (2) Access for walkers & cyclists should be provided through omma , e•-• ttayitsA44 4, • derelict railway land (the old coal depot) to Victoria Park. -414444 This could be part of a major cycle link between the Valley and Central London.

8.04 Arena Field and Hackney Stadium - The privately owned stadium is used mainly for speedway and greyhound racing. It needs expenditure to bring it up to modern lif-rkney standards but its owners would probably prefer to have a Wick completely rebuilt modern leisure complex. Arena Field is BR station used for football and police dog training.

/ I i (1) The stadium is the best local site in every way for any / 11 future leisure complex which can be developed in partnership 11 I • • by its owners and the Park Authority. I • VictoricAPark (2) Arena Field can become a park for Trowbridge Estate. 1\ (3) There needs to be a bridge to facilitate access from \\ I Trowbridge. The bridge at Gainsborough School might be capable of use for this purpose. Equally there should be direct 7 `• access from Arena Field to a modernised Stadium. • South (4) Facilities should be developed in consultation with people to of Trowbridge but football pitches retained unless it becomes clear Old that supply of pitches in the Hackney Marsh area exceeds demand. Ford Lock (5) The one remaining traditional factory in , the Atlas Works, should be preserved if possible as a link with the past industrial landscape of the River Lee Navigation. Again, priority should be given to tenants who will use the Lee Navigation as a commercial waterway. u u LVRPA Foot/Cycle Path

MABLEY GREEN 8 ARENA FIELD 24 HACKNEY STADIUM 3aterc Proposed Foot/Cycle Path 14 9.00 AREA PROPOSALS - SOUTH/BEYOND 12

9.01 Temple Mills - This area has been developed by the Park Authority as a cycle track at Bully Fen with camping facilities and a nature trail which partly runs along the very attractive valley of the Lead Mill stream. A sports hall has been built in the Eton Manor Sports Ground. The proposed M.11 will reduce the open area and remove a row of mature trees along the eastern boundary of the sports centre. (1) Planting of trees has been attempted at Bully Fen, mostly unsuccesfully perhaps due to insufficient topsoil or draught. However planting should be persevered with to enhance the interesting undulating landscape.

(2) The Park Authority should publicise the cycle track and out- door areas of Eton Manor to extend use beyond existing club use.

(3) Access is needed through derelict land between Bully Fen and River Lee linking with the Bow-Back Rivers to create complex of water-side walks. A footbridge across the railway lines by Lead Mill Stream Carpenters Road is required for this purpose.

Hackney Wick 9.02 Baw-Back Rivers - Entered at Hackney's boundary we think it important to mention that these rivers are a unique system BR Station of waterways providing potentially a fascinating and beautiful variety of nature trails contrasting with an essentially industrial scene. It is felt to be very important that the full possibilities of this area for walking, fishing and relaxation should be recognised and developments avoided which would limit full access.

10.00 AREA PROPOSALS - MAIN THEMES ANALYSIS

10.01 Area Proposals - General Objective - The overall theme is that there must be a proper account taken and recognition of existing qualities of the valley. The park is seen as being of primary importance. The provision of buildings for leisure purposes should not be at the expense of the freedom to enjoy the open space offered by the Lee valley.

TEMPLE MILLS & BOW BACK RIVERS ""‘"------'tgr6C;y HACKNEY LEE VALLEY FORUM DIAGRbts1 SHOWING 10.02 Area Proposals - Main Themes - Beneath the overall objective Main Nature CansensutkcAneas Proposed three main themes emerge:- rnta.. (1) Enviromental Improvements and Conservation. ,,AS! (2) Communication. (3) Development and Consultation. These themes are dealt with in order below as they really summarise the proposals of the Hackney Lee Valley Forum.

10.03 Environmental Improvements and Conservation - The Hackney area has had its fair share of investment by the Park Authority on large scale regional facilities. The Lea Bridge ice rink is the latest example. We think that resources should now be concentrated on bringing together the various areas of open space into a unified whole with a commitment to landscape and the exploitation of the Lee Valley as an amenity in its own right and not just a place to provide sporting facilities.

Improvement of landscape and provision of more varied facilities may involve a loss of a few football pitches, in Hackney Marsh, Leyton Marsh, perhaps Arena Field. Combined administration of pitches, now run variously by the Park Authority, G.L.C., Hackney and Waltham Forest, could lead to more efficient use of pitches. Any shortage can also be LEA MIKE overcome if one or two Sunday morning leagues shift to Saturday

HACKNEY or Sunday afternoon. t• In their different ways, Walthamstow Reservoirs, Walthamstow Marshes and the Lea Bridge filter beds offer unique natural —Lowntrocr habitats close to the centre of London. Las We believe that the combined importance of these sites merits the establishment of a nature conservation and study centre to be established in the complex of buildings around the old Lea Bridge pump house.

Within this green space there are a number of buildings which contribute greatly to the character of the area particularly the Lea Bridge Pump House complex, the Copper Mill, and the old industrial buildings on Essex Wharf. The T.W.A. action in starting to demolish the Lea Bridge pumphouse underlies the need for the Park Authority to secure undertakings for the preservation of these important buildings. The fine sports pavilions at Spring Hill and Low Hall should also be preserved.

0 qaor ,LLL ctherk —racsaaaas Heath 13 / HACKNEY LEE VALLEY FORUM DIAGRAM SHOWING 10.05 Communications 14 Main Nature thnseniation Arras Proposed Main Foot & Cyde Paths Proposed (1) Access - There is a need to establish a recognised network of footpaths (signposted where necessary), cycle paths and bridle paths linking the different facilities and open spaces within the Valley.

Our proposals would result in the creation of a great number of new routes and many round trips which will give people a far greater opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the open spaces of the Lee Valley and beyond.

These improvements will (we hope) take place in the context of measures to be taken by the Park Authority to improve access between different parts of the Lee Valley though an improved towpath and cycle way. Different areas can be linked through a cycle hire scheme on the lines run by the Peak District National Park so that it will be possible to hire a bike in Upper Clapton, cycle to Hertford or Ware and catch the train back!

(2) Waterways - Before the war numerous boatyards offered people the opportunity to enjoy the Lee navigation itself as a recreational amenity. The popularity of the Springhill Rowing Centre and the waterside pubs shows that the river itself is still a major attraction. We would like to see for example a boating centre on the old ox-bow at Lea Bridge as part of a revitalised Lea Bridge area developed as a waterside attraction. A waterbus service could run between and the tube station at Tottenham Hale linking with Victoria Park via the . This canal is an important link betwen two of the most important open spaces of East London and can also be made better known to walkers and cyclists.

We also propose better access to the other waterways, the River Lee itself, the old Coppennill aqueduct and the TWA flood relief channel, and the network of rivers and streams at Bow. HACKNEY LEE VAI (EY FORUM DIAGRAM SHOWING 10.06 Development and Consultation Main Nature amservation Areas Proposed Main Foot & Cycle Paths Proposed Some places where Particular Work Proposed (1) Consultation - Local communities should be consulted about \tcirix ir6iintrk improvements in their own neighbourhood; for instance people in Trowbridge should be consulted about uses of Arena Field and those in Clapton Park on improvements to Hackney Marshes.

(2) Transportation - The people of Hackney also have an interest in the development of the Lee Valley as a green corridor between Hackney and the countryside of the green belt. In addition to the Lee Valley cycle way, a good cheap weekend railway service is needed on the Lee Valley line.

(3) Development - However we are not forgetting that the Lee valley Park was created as a regional park supported by regional funds and cannot therefore develop purely as a local facility.

Our proposals include a major nature study centre at Lea Bridge (with water gardens including a mini greenhouse), and revitalisation of the leisure complex at Hackney Stadium (more in keeping with the spirit of the old Master Plan!) and also the Lee Navigation for recreation and as a commercial waterway.

If these suggestions are followed up with a general improvement

H CKNEY of the area people will come back and use the Lee Valley and

IMARSH the area will breathe with the life it now lacks. At the same. ig tine both local and regional interests will be properly secured! ...... : 11.00 THE FUTURE - BEGINNING THE DIALOGUE

we hope that Hackney Council will incorporate our proposals into its response to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Master Plan Review - hopefully just the opening rounds of dialogue and sensitive development.

The forum suggests that the many ideas in this document form [T. the basis for a whole series of feasibility and sketch schemes rrsierrri by professional qualified advisers and consultants.

To start the dialogue this report is being circulated to community, tenants, amenity and sporting groups throughout Hackney and to local authorities in neighbouring areas. At a series of public meetings we intend to discuss our plans alongside the Park Authority's proposals, so that a clear view of public wishes for the Lee Valley will emerge as a basis for planners' blueprints.

15 0:4?-; HACKNEY LEE VALLEY FORUM DIAGRAM SHOWING 12.00 FORUM CONTRIBUTORS 16 '013 - Main Nature Conservation Areas Proposed e Pr Main Foot & Cyde Paths Reposed Sane places where Particular Work Proposed 12.01 This Report has been prepared by the following Fonnu - Main L:indscaphg & Planting Work Proposed ysir Charlie Broanhall Joe Noble II Laurie Elks ;104L.' Joan Pearce Mike Gray John Roberts gatb 11,Fiit:Si .. Joan Hughes Gordon Selway Philip Jordan Len Skinner Diana Kershaw David Walters

with contributions from 28 others who joined the walks. If you are interested please contact:-

Charlie Broomhall: 8 Colvestone Crescent E8 (249-2795) or C Mike Gray: 53 Thistlewaite Road, E5 (985-4438) or

Diana Kershaw: .51 Casimir Road, E5 (806-7865).

Joan Pearce: 103 Hassett Road, E9 (986 2502)

KEY TO HACKNEY I PP VAI I FY FORUM DIAGRAM SHOWING P•32% Main Nature Conservation Areas Proposed Sarre Races vhece Particular Work Proposed Main Foot & Cycle Paths Proposed Main Landscaping & Planting Work Proposed a -Proposed Water Bus k Lea Bridge-Proposed Study Centre HG Stop/Interchange for Conservation Areas iquirkr it in b Ferry Lane-Entry to Proposed Nature Pitch In Putt Entrance-Proposed Retail 0044 tab Conservation Area (Reservoirs). Garden Cs itn, in Glasshouses !:.:f .00014,E7 :111111.11 C Opppermin Lane - Propose 2nd bitty to m01(1 Gus Works site-Propose inclusion above via Old Mill info centre & cafe in Lee Valley Park d LOw Hall Pavilion-Propose increase n Old Power Station site-Propose use in facilities & trees as City Farm with Leeside Path e Former Ulb Sports Ground Propose 0 Cow Bridge Chunying etc.facilities - increase in facilities & public access Propose increase & improvement f Springfield White House-Propose p Existing GLC Depot/facilities-Propose appropriate uses improvement & Planting g High Hill Ferry-Propose improved q Eastway Cycle Track-Propose facilities inc Water Bus Stop landscape improvements h ESsex Fitter Beds Proposed Aquatic r Hackney Stadium Propose full scale Gardens & Glasshouses leisure/sport redevelopment jj Essex Wharf-Propose Market,Workshps NOTE Please don't forget Water Bus OptDp,reexc Oxbow as boat centreAVBStp. Stops from Old Ford to Tottenham Hale REMEMBER CONSERVATION, FOOT/CYOF PATHS, LANDSCAPE, WATERWAYS & PACE'S PLEASE; 12,n FOP-1 CONTRIBUTORS

IFIE HACKNEY IFF VALLEY FORUM'S 1983/84 REPORT - OUR CONTRIBUTION TO This Report has been prepared by the following:- THE LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY'S REVIEW OF ITS MASTER PLAN. oomhall Joe Noble lial.z.i.t, .. s Joan Pearce Mike Ci'w John Roberts Joan Hut. 01es Gordon Selway Philip Jordan e Len Skinner Diana Kershaw David Walters

with contributions from 28 others who joined the walks.

12.02 Feedback - The Forum has prepared some slides and photos and maps of the Lee Valley in the Hackney Area. Any community groups, tenants associations or individuals in Hackney interested in the Lee Valley or our proposals for improving it is welcome to get in touch with us. We would like to hear from you whether you agree or disagree with our proposals and to come and talk about it.

If you are interested please contact:-

Charlie Broomhall: 8 Colvestone Crescent E8 (249-2795) or

Mike Gray: 53 Thistlewaite Road, ES (985-4438) or

Diana Kershaw: 51 Casimir Road, E5 (806-7865).

,,can Pearce: 103 Hassett Road, E9 (986 2502) If you want to let Hackney Council know your views on the Lee Valley in Hackney you should contact Raymond Michael, Head of Planning, or Jean Fraser, who are both at Hackney Council's Planning Department, 161-189 City Road, London. EC1.

If your group wants to be involved in further consultations by the Lee Valley Park on its Master Plan, contact Jim Sherry, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Myddleton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middx. EN2 9HG.

12.03 Acknowledgements The Forum would like to acknowledge with grateful thanks the help and financial assistance of the London Borough of Hackney in producing this report, and of LEE VALLEY ICE—RINK FROM THE RIDING SCHOOL. Mari Cutting in typing it. Art Direction h/Phiiip Jordan