9th November 2010 Thames Gateway Parklands Thames Greening the Gateway & South Green Grid East Green Grid Gateway Parklands Delivering Environmental Transformation I often hear people asking why we seldom create places where we’d really Foreword like to live. One fundamental reason, often overlooked, is that not enough attention is paid to the landscapes and townscapes that give towns, cities and villages their special character. I like to call landscape the ‘primary Sir Terry Farrell CBE infrastructure’ – to emphasise its importance and to remind ourselves Design Champion for that it is fundamental to creating the Thames Gateway a sense of place and a feeling of belonging. A coherent, connected landscape across the Thames Gateway Working together in partnership, we will help to create a character and know that the re-development of the identity for the estuary which is as Thames Gateway will only succeed distinct and recognisable as the Peak if we create a network of green open District or the Broads. spaces to enrich existing and new communities, attract investment The Parklands programme has already and raise spirits. made great strides in transforming perceptions of place on the ground as well as the quality of life. All over the estuary new high quality landscapes are being created. These will have a lasting impact on the estuary’s Boris Johnson potential as an engine room for growth in the Greater South East. Continuing support for Parklands is a critical part of maintaining London’s status as a World City. It will also ensure that the region as a whole can compete successfully in an increasingly competitive world. Peter Martin This booklet describes the exciting Leader of Essex County Council projects that form the first round of Parklands investment. I have been delighted to see the progress being made over such a short period. Kevin Lynes London Essex Kent Each project celebrates various aspects of the Gateway’s human Regeneration and Economic In London the Thames Gateway Parklands Investments respond Parklands Investments respond history and natural environment; and Development Portfolio Holder Kent Parklands Projects are supported to Local Open Space Assessments to Local Open Space Assessments each one contributes another bit of County Council by ‘London’s Great Outdoors’, the and Green Grid Strategies. and Green Grid Strategies. the connected Parklands landscape. Mayor of London’s vision for improving Together they are an impressive public spaces. illustration of the change-making power of landscapes. Green Grid South Essex Green Grid Greening the Gateway Kent & Medway I hope you will be inspired by this Rodney Chambers Design for London Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership Medway Innovation Centre outstanding piece of work and that London Development Agency Council Offices Maidstone Road you will support it in the future. Leader of Medway Council Palestra Kiln Road Chatham 197 Blackfriars Road Benfleet Kent London Essex ME5 9SD SE1 8AA SS7 1TF 020 7593 8000 01268 881299 01634 337593 or 337713 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.designforlondon.gov.uk www.greengrid.co.uk www.gtgkm.org.uk www.london.gov.uk/greatoutdoors/ 3 Part 1: Ambition About Parklands About A Tangible Success An Exceptional £69m Programme From East London to Southend in Landscape Essex and Sittingbourne in Kent, Parklands people are starting to enjoy new and As Sir Terry Farrell said: £32m HCA Funding improved urban greenspaces and “an exceptional landscape that better access to superb countryside. transforms perceptions of place” by: This is the work of the Thames – making a connected landscape via – 637 ha of new greenspace Gateway Parklands programme being ‘green grids’, the delivered through three local Green Path and visual and environmental Grid partnerships in East London, improvements along major transport – 2,013 ha of enhanced greenspace North Kent and South Essex. We hope corridors; you will find it informative, that you – improving access to urban and rural will want to know more , and that you landscapes for new and existing – 95 km of new and upgraded foot and cycle paths will help to support the continuing neighbourhoods; success of Parklands. – renewing and developing urban environments as places of culture – 7 km of new links to the Thames Estuary Path Parklands is one of the Thames and social interaction; Gateway’s most tangible successes. – recognising the value of enhancing The current programme involves 15 agricultural and ‘blue’ landscapes – 10 new bridges major projects offering 267,000 sq m as key economic, environmental, of new or enhanced greenspace, recreational and cultural assets; 95 km of additional footpaths and – promoting a clear identity and – 10.3 km of watercourses and canal restored cycleways, 10 km of improved interest for each locality via watercourses, five brand new visitor/ investment in regenerated historic education centres, and much else environments. – 5 new sustainable visitor centres with besides. This is not about creating a pleasant associated learning programmes All this is being delivered in just environment for its own sake. It is a three years through the three local hard-headed recognition that, in the partnerships and is on track for words of the Gateway’s Champion, – 110 ha of SSSI improved completion on time and on budget Sir Terry Farrell: by March 2011. “A high quality of life is needed to – 118 ha of new and enhanced habitats Working with local organisations attract people to want to live here, and communities, they have more work here, visit here, and for existing than doubled an initial government residents to want to build their – 275 ha of brownfield land remediated investment of £32m to nearly £70m futures here.” through match funding. – 1,070 properties at reduced risk of flooding – More than 400,000 extra visitors expected – 25 jobs created, 10 jobs safeguarded, and a new 9 hectare green business park developed

A key area for East London Green Grid and East London Green Enterprise District 4 5 Part 1: Ambition Parklands is Essential for Success Parklands Sustainable Growth Environmental Change Vigorous and lasting economic growth Evidence for the catalytic ability of in the Thames Gateway is crucial for high quality, accessible green spaces Backing the UK’s prosperity and to maintain the and networks to deliver economic, world-class status of London and the social and environmental benefits is Greater South East. It has therefore now recognised throughout the world. Growth been a major priority for successive governments. For example, these key assets help to create a ‘sense of place’. This ambition, recently refreshed by This in turn encourages neighbourhood Sir Terry Farrell’s Core Vision for the pride, tourism and investment, Gateway, recognises that, for growth and provides opportunities for to be sustainable, major economic, participation in learning, social and social and environmental change is cultural activities, sport and healthy essential. This agenda includes the exercise. need to: – re-make East London Open space can make vital – renew Estuary Towns contributions to addressing climate – improve connections change issues. These include flood – enhance education and skills risk, loss of habitats and biodiversity, – promote low carbon growth and carbon reduction and water stress. innovation They can also help reduce the need – create a high quality, high value for expensive ‘grey’ infrastructure Parklands landscape. like roads and sewers; and play a key role in sustaining clean air, water, Olympic developments, and natural resources. , Ebbsfleet and the port, along with world-class transport links like and the rail line, are the flagship drivers of this transformation that will deliver new homes, jobs and community facilities across the Gateway. But achieving the Gateway’s full potential also needs a big change in perceptions of the area. So, alongside economic and social change, a dramatically improved environment is essential.

“Investing in green infrastructure “Place is actually more is not a luxury: it is an essential important to the world’s ingredient for the Thames economy than ever before.” Gateway’s success.” Prof. Richard Florida, University of Toronto

Nerys Jones, Strategic Greenspace Consultant Advisor to Government on the Greening the Gateway strategy 2005 Brooklands Lakes in central

6 7 “I can think of no other place with more potential to tackle the climate change agenda than here in the Thames Gateway.”

Peter Head, President of the Institute for Sustainability

The RSPB Outdoor Education zone at Rainham Marshes, part of the wider Wildspace project Part 1: Ambition Adding Value through Partnership

Parklands Partnerships Adding Value and Impact – working together on pan-Gateway Local, Flexible and Adding Value issues through the Greening the The Thames Gateway Parklands The three local partnerships unite Gateway Partnership. Chaired by Cost-Effective project is being implemented by the work of a range of bodies and local Natural England, this enables a Through three local partnerships: organisations, adding value coordinated approach and provides This strong track record and locally- – East London Green Grid and strategic impact by: important channels for dialogue based, flexible approach means www.designforlondon.gov.uk – bringing a strategic approach to with government, local authorities, the three Green Grid partnerships Partnership – South Essex Green Grid locally informed planning, targeting and the commercial and charitable have been well placed to work with www.greengrid.co.uk and delivering investment; sectors; government and to assist delivery – Greening the Gateway Kent & Medway – providing a link between policy and – encouraging the development on the ground in new and imaginative www.gtgkm.org.uk action at both national and local of supporting projects, such as ways. The development of the three Thames levels; Artlands North Kent programme, Gateway Parklands Business Plans – drawing together extra financial a contemporary arts programme to In challenging economic times, they was undertaken in association with, leverage; complement Parklands investments. offer a highly cost-effective way to and signed off by the local authority – working with local partners to transform the environment of the Leaders. involve communities; Thames Gateway that is so essential – identifying opportunities, joint for future growth and prosperity. The East London Green Grid is part projects and synergies; of a wider programme of public space – providing vehicles for promoting improvements, entitled London’s Great and celebrating the natural heritage Outdoors. This forms part of the Mayor and historic environment. of London’s Manifesto for Public Space – helping the delivery of projects on and is supported by two practical the ground. guides. The one relevant to this leaflet is Better Green and Water Spaces. For example: – match funding has more than The North Kent and South Essex green doubled the £31.76m allocated by grid partnerships are part of the wider the Homes and Communities Agency regeneration programme for the (HCA) for the current Parklands outer gateway area, with work closely programme; aligned to the North Kent and South – research and planning by the Essex Gateway partnerships. partnerships has made identifying priorities and implementation much easier, helping secure value for A History of Success money; – the planning system is better The three local initiatives and their placed to deliver key parts of the partners (such as Natural England), programme. For example, the local authorities and government have award-winning East London Green an excellent track record of working Grid Framework now forms part of and succeeding together. the as Supplementary Planning Guidance. Joint work For example, the RSPB’s flagship with planning authorities across reserve at Rainham Marshes and a North Kent and South Essex has 600 acre green cluster in North Kent helped inform and integrate Green around Shorne Woods Country Park, Grid, open space and countryside Jeskyns Farm and Cobham Park’s strategies as key elements of Local Grade II* landscape are among several Development Frameworks and Local superb partnership projects that Investment Plans; pre-date Parklands. This legacy of working strategically throughout the Thames Gateway provided a firm foundation for planning and delivering the major Parklands programme.

East London Green Grid 10 11 Part 2: Delivery Projects

Fifteen major projects are now under These projects demonstrate the many protected by national or international estuary. Its defining character has Existing way across the Thames Gateway. They economic, social and environmental nature conservation designations. been recognised by poets, painters are all part of a three year investment benefits of investing in greenspaces. It’s historic churches, fortifications, and writers including Hopkins, Turner programme funded jointly by Importantly too, they put in place docks, piers, urban and village centres and Dickens. It has a very strong Projects government and a range of partners, crucial pieces of the green jigsaw all tell of its key role in the nation’s identity, just like the Fens, or the Lake including commercial, charitable and that is gradually taking shape across history and as the world’s gateway District, or Dartmoor. Though this is local organisations. Many of the East the Gateway. We hope you will enjoy to London. no longer obvious, it could be made London Green Grid projects are funded reading about them. so through implementation of the through the Great Outdoors and its As Sir Terry Farrell has said: “It is a Parklands vision.” overarching programme of public More than 8600 Hectares 11% of the coherent natural landscape: it is the realm works. land area of the Thames Gateway’s is saltwater tidal part of the Thames

11. Wat Tyler Country Park 12. Central South Essex Marshes 4. Olympics Washlands 1. Lea River Park 5. Rainham to the River 13. Canvey Wick 9. Nature Reserve 6. Thurrock Thameside Wildspace Nature Park 3. Erith Marshes 16. Thames Path Belvedere Links

2. Waterlink Way 10. Great Loop Expectations 7. Dartford Greenheart 8. Cyclopark

14. Great Lines Heritage Park

15. Milton Creek Gateway Landscapes

Parklands Projects Thames Path

12 13 Projects Projects 1. Lea River Park: Three Mills Green 2. Waterlink Way and Deptford Loop

BEFORE

AFTER

Olympic cultural and environmental activities. A programme of activities, Enhancing a green route to reduce and open spaces in a circular route legacies at a green crossroads play and leisure make up the western flood risk and link communities from Deptford Bridge DLR station to edge of the green. the Thames waterfront at Pepys Park. Three Mills Green is a small park on a The development of Waterlink Way unique island setting in the midst of the The scheme will enhance the ecology will connect community landscapes This Parklands project provides River Lea. Located in a conservation of the site and introduce a more diverse and reduce the risk of floods. A series key links to the rest of SE London’s area close to the medieval Three range of plant and tree species. In addition of new wetlands, backwaters and ‘Green Chain’. With nearly 20,000 Mills Complex, the park is currently to its social, cultural and ecological offer, planting will also enhance wildlife people living within 300 m, these an underused facility. The park has and its setting for an important heritage habitats and improve amenities. improvements will also create a safer a wide catchment and pressure on attraction, Three Mills Green is a key Forming part of a 12 km footpath along and more attractive path to stations the landscape will increase with the link in the 26 mile chain of sport and the Rivers Pool and Ravensbourne, and retail centres in areas of Deptford development opportunities in the area leisure facilities, heritage sites, gardens, the project is delivering upgrades to and Lewisham, currently deficient at Sugar House Lane, Three Mills Green nature reserves and riverside trails that the pathway and signage. It will also in open space provision and access and Bromley by Bow and the Olympic Site. comprise the Lea River Park between provide a public square where the to nature. Ware in Hertfordshire and the Thames. Rivers Quaggy and Ravensbourne A multi-use recreation, sport and events meet in Lewisham town centre. Lead Partner: LB Lewisham space will form a key element of the Lead Partner: LTGDC HCA funding: £2.0 million project, and provide opportunities HCA funding: £1.5 million Lea River Park Spurring off from this pathway, the Match funding: £3.8 million Proposals for for community events and recreation Match funding: £5.0 million framework plan Deptford Loop links a string of parks Ladywell Fields 14 15 Projects Projects 3. Erith Marshes and Belvedere Links 4. Dagenham Washlands

London’s Great Outdoors – Flood storage areas London’s Great Outdoors – New boardwalks giving for the Beam River will be opened up with bridges access to historic grazing marsh connecting housing areas

Improving the business and visitor The landscape improvements provide Enhancing flood prevention works the Ford Dagenham plant. environment an enhanced setting for the Belvedere to re-connect people to the Thames Employment Area and support There will also be on-going Erith Marshes, with its medieval dykes greater biodiversity. The creation of Dagenham Washlands will reconnect opportunities with the LRT and World War II pill boxes, forms one sustainable drainage systems will 40,000 local people to the Thames for for volunteering, training and of the last remnants of grazing marsh increase the area’s already crucial the first time in 90 years. Its 4 km of employment. in . This is also where flood storage capacity. new and improved foot and cycle paths visitors can find one of the icons of will create the final link in the green The Parklands project, which used Victorian engineering: the Grade I Supporting both jobs and visitor network along the Beam Valley. an innovative maintenance dowry, listed Crossness Beam Engine House. numbers, a total of 4.3 km of upgraded was the last piece in a complex pedestrian and cycle routes offer The project is part of a wider funding jigsaw. It has built confidence Improving 156 hectares of the better links between Abbey Wood and partnership with the Environment and unlocked over £12 m worth marshland landscape and access to Belvedere stations, the employment Agency and the Land Restoration of investment for an area facing the Thames Path are key elements of area, the Thames Path and the Beam Trust (LRT) to enable regeneration and significant social and economic the Parklands Project. It will capitalise Engine House. development. A new 430,000 m3 flood difficulties. on these natural and heritage assets storage area will reduce flood risk to to improve the appeal of an area of low Lead Partner: LB Bexley £1.5 bn worth of commercial property. Lead Partner: The Land Trust skills and high unemployment. HCA funding: £1.9 million It will also provide 53 hectares of HCA funding: £2.0 million Match funding: £0.7 million Erith Marshes project plan multifunctional green space near Match funding: £2.0 million 16 17 Projects 5. Wildspace: Rainham to the River

London’s Great Outdoors – Photomontage of ramped ‘Trackway’ to connect Rainham with the Marshes over High Speed 1

A flagship for green tourism Authority, Cleanaway Ltd, and the Port of London Authority. This is a The vast landscapes of Rainham, great example not only of partnership Wennington and Aveley Marshes form working across boundaries, but also ‘Wildspace’ – a new conservation park the importance of a long-term vision that is vitally important for wildlife. that ensures each individual project contributes to a coherent whole. Large parts of the park, which covers more than 1,000 hectares, date back Parklands funding is supporting the to medieval times. A great place to restoration of historic Rainham Hall’s visit, being just 30 minutes from the gardens, the design of a new public , it is expecting up to square by the station, the restoration 100,000 visitors a year by 2012. of 81 hectares of SSSI grazing marsh on Rainham Nature Reserve and new Straddling the boundary between paths to the Thames. London and Essex, ‘Wildspace’ involves working with the RSPB, Lead Partner: LB Havering Natural England, Environment Agency, HCA funding: £2.8 million Proposals to bring out the heritage of Rainham Village LB Havering, Thurrock Unitary Match funding: £2.3 million Cross-section of proposed ‘Trackway’ and Rainham Hall Gardens Rainham to the River project plan 18 19 Projects Projects 6. Thurrock Wildspace 7. Dartford Greenheart

Parklands funding created the Veolia Mardyke bridge allowing residents easy access to the RSPB New bridges connection new communities reserve and transforming the Riverside as a result to Dartford Greenheart

A flagship for green tourism of Thurrock Wildspace to include of enhanced reedbeds and marshes Putting the countryside in the town’s paths via new bridges and gateway projects along the Darent, it is a great Purfleet’s heritage museum, riverside all add to local biodiversity, flood shop window entrances. starting point for explorations out The Essex and Thurrock part of the walk and train station. Critically alleviation and the visitor experience. to the Kent Downs or to the Thames Wildspace project includes Aveley the residents of Purfleet have now Inside the threshold of Dartford’s With 55,000 people living within 2 km, Estuary Path. marshes and the Purfleet gateway to adopted Wildspace in large numbers Lead Partner: RSPB bustling and historic town centre, and developments being planned for the RSPB nature reserve. Historically and with great enthusiasm. HCA funding: £1.4 million Dartford Greenheart provides a 2,500 new homes nearby, Dartford Lead Partner: Dartford Council the marshes were used by the Match funding: £1.1 million magnificent green gateway linking Greenheart is an important place HCA funding: £2.3 million MOD as a firing range and the local In Thurrock, Parklands funding the town’s Central Park directly for local people to relax and enjoy. Match funding: £5.9 million communities had no access. Now, the supporting the construction of a with the bucolic landscapes of the It is also a destination with a wide Wildspace project has opened up the new bridge over the Mardyke has put Darent Valley. range of events for more than 50,000 marshes, the Thames Estuary Path another link in the Thames Estuary visitors a year. Well served by public from Purfleet to Rainham and created Path and transformed a ‘dead end’ This Parklands project adds more than transport, including the new an award winning visitor centre which into a riverside promenade, giving 13 hectares of previously inaccessible rapid transit buses, a key feature attracts up to 60,000 people a year. easy access to the RSPB reserve for greenspace to the town centre public of the Greenheart is a visitor centre Purfleet residents and visitors alike. realm, and habitat improvements and café for information and other A powerful partnership of private and Nearby, a new Marshland Discovery along 2.5 km of the River Darent. It services. public sector agencies working with Zone showcases the area’s natural is also a key green transport hub, the local Purfleet community has and cultural heritage, while a new providing 3.5 km of new and improved Linked by earlier award-winning successfully extended the influence sand martin bank and 400 hectares Award winning RSPB Visitor Centre connections to over 13 km of existing access routes to other greenspace Brookland Lakes part of Dartford Greenheart’s offer 20 21 Projects Projects 8. Cyclopark 9. Thurrock Thameside Nature Park

Heronry Shaw is a historic wet gravel pit which will Community sports facilities and new landscapes be incorporated into the 640 hectare Nature Park

Promoting active lifestyles Shorne, Cobham and Jeskyns, and the It has also added exciting new sporting Nature re-connecting communities Linked by the Thames Estuary Path Lead Partner: Essex Wildlife Trust wider countryside beyond. Including facilities of both local and national to the military heritage of Coal House HCA funding: £0.7 million Cyclopark boasts 10 km of traffic- 10 hectares of new woodland and importance to enhance the Olympic Offering extraordinary panoramic and Tilbury Forts to the south, and the Match funding: £1.8 million free paths and a cyclying activity the increasingly rare grass chalkland sporting legacy. views across the estuary and magnificent wildlife and visitor interest centre of national significance. It is an habitat to improve biodiversity and aid directly down-river to Southend, a in and around Wat Tyler Country Park entirely new 43 hectare community wildlife movement, the new park has Lead Partner: former refuse tip at Mucking is being to the east, this important nature park of exceptional quality. Seizing transformed the visual amenity of a HCA funding: £1.8 million transformed. Together with nearby park provides a new strategic link in the opportunity created by the re- previously degraded transport corridor. Match funding: £2.3 million lakes, marsh and scrape, the old tip South Essex’s developing greenspace alignment of the A2 south of , is part of the new Thurrock Thameside network. Cyclopark stretches for over 4 km along Nature Park. the land between the old and new routes. With nearly 18 km of footpaths, In a partnership between Essex cycleways and bridleways, including With 50,000 people already living Wildlife Trust and Cory Environmental a new bridge, the park links previously within 2 km, the park provides local Ltd. the park is creating five new jobs, separated local communities communities with new opportunities for a low carbon visitor centre with superb and enhances their recreational healthy exercise and relaxation. It also education and training facilities, and opportunities enormously. provides a superb green link between over 640 hectares of wildlife habitat the strategic growth point of Ebbsfleet, and accessible green space for South the major greenspace cluster around New Pavilion due to open on May 2012 Essex people to enjoy. New Visitor Centre 22 23 Projects Projects 10. Great Expectations 11. Wat Tyler Country Park Thames and Medway Canal

1 km of restored canal

New Community Facilities along ’s The new Wat Tyler Centre provides a focus for the waterfront landscape improvements funded by Parklands

Linking town, nature and heritage At the canal’s western end, 6.56 promote the fascinating natural and Engaging people with nature including CCTV cameras that bring hectares of town centre waterfront military heritage shared on both nature’s secrets live to the screen. The Great Expectations project is greenspace provide the setting for a sides of the river and linked by the Once the site of an explosives factory conserving and restoring some key new commercially-sponsored outdoor Gravesend-Tilbury ferry. and key defence installations, the Wat With new walkways connecting to features of an historic landscape gym, which will help to support the Tyler Country Park already boasts an the Thames Path, the country park to provide a context for attracting Olympic legacy. Lead Partner: Gravesham Council exciting range of nature conservation, and surrounding marshes offer private investment around the eastern HCA funding: £2.0 million heritage, artistic and fun attractions schools, families and visitors a first- gateway to Gravesend town centre. Nearby, the historic New Tavern Fort Match funding: £0.05 million for people of all ages. Adding to the hand opportunity to explore the Abandoned for nearly 80 years, a is now being conserved and access interest, a Green Centre (opening in area’s wildlife and history. 1 km stretch of the Thames and improved. Substantially altered by 2011) will explore both local and global Medway Canal is being restored for General Gordon, but dating originally sustainability issues. Lead Partner: Council safe water-based recreation. Both from the 1780s, this is one of several HCA funding: £1.6 million National Cycle Route 1, which takes key fortifications along the Thames The RSPB visitor centre at the country Match funding: £1.1 million the canal towpath, and the nearby in Kent and Essex that were crucial park attracted nearly 30,000 visitors Thames Estuary Path are being to London’s outer defences from in its first week of opening in 2010. upgraded to offer great waterside Tudor times to WW2. It inspires children and adults to learn trips across internationally-important about wildlife through its state-of-the- wetlands out to Higham and to the new In addition to enhancing Gravesend’s art education and training facilities, beacon RSPB Reserve at Cliffe Pools. offer, these improvements help to Shorne Common and Marshes Wat Tyler Landscape Masterplan 24 25 Projects 12. Central South Essex Marshes

RSPB are using Parklands funding to create high quality wetlands on West Canvey and Gifford Marshes to extend work already carried out on Vange Marsh

Engaging people with nature The two Parklands projects at Wat Tyler expected to bring more than 200,000 Country Park and The Central South extra visitors a year. Surrounding the Country Park are Essex Marshes are great examples the Central South Essex Marshes – of how, by working together, partners Lead Partner: Royal Society for the a landscape steeped in history and can develop mutually-advantageous Protection of Birds one of the most important wildlife projects to the benefit of both people HCA funding: £5.3 million havens in Europe. Using innovative and wildlife. Between them, they Match funding: £7.0 million conservation and land management have created nine new jobs and are practices, an awesome 930 hectare RSPB nature reserve is emerging on what were once refuse tips and arable fields. Enhancing flood storage “We want children to catch the conservation capacity and providing habitats for message while they are still young. If we fail birds, water voles, brown hares, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates to act now, we will miss the chance to nurture and plant communities, this is a the environmental champions of the future.” genuine wilderness just 30 miles Parklands funded a new Visitor Centre and from Piccadilly Circus. Sir Graham Wynne, Chief Executive, RSPB Education Zone, to make the most of visitors to the country park. New Salt Marshes are part of the restoration scheme

26 27 Projects Projects 13. Canvey Wick Nature Reserve 14. Great Lines Heritage Park

Canvey Wick, an ex-industrial site, has been invaded by rare plants, insects and reptiles leading to it becoming an SSSI New boardwalk and footbridge to Fort Amherst

A green business park in the first paths, together with a small education Engaging people with heritage Six new flagship entrances will Lead Partner: Medway Council brownfield SSSI centre, so that schoolchildren and emphasise the grandeur of the setting HCA funding: £2.0 million visitors can learn more about this Chatham’s military legacy is of and 3 km of new and upgraded access Match funding: £1.4 million As the country’s first ‘brownfield’ spellbinding place. exceptional national and international routes are bringing more than 10 SSSI, Canvey Wick Nature Reserve importance – placing it on the shortlist hectares of land into public use for the is astonishingly rich in plant, animal And, to provide employment and for World Heritage Site status. first time. With habitat enhancements and insect life. training opportunities for local people, Parklands investment is enriching to 30 hectares of chalk grassland – a 9 hectare business park is being that legacy with an exciting project among the UK’s most species-rich This 100 hectare site in the west of created in one corner of the site. to enhance and showcase one of botanical communities – the park is Canvey Island was planned as an oil Using sustainable construction its key elements – the Great Lines also conserving its natural heritage. refinery but never commissioned; techniques, this will provide new Heritage Park. so nature has fashioned its own business opportunities in a very As part of this transformation, extraordinary reserve over the past special setting. Sitting above and behind the renowned community engagement continues 40 years. Historic Dockyard, the park provides to be a major strength in helping Lead Partner: The Land Trust 75 hectares of outstanding greenspace to “unveil” the revitalised park. In Now, whilst carefully preserving HCA funding: £2.6 million in and around the massive defensive association with the Chatham World the key wildlife habitats, the Land Match funding: £1.2 million ramparts of the Chatham Lines. It offers Heritage Partnership, it will also inform Restoration Trust is creating and spectacular views across Chatham and excite a wider public about this upgrading 9 km of foot and cycle town centre and its waterfront. astonishing place. 28 29 Projects Projects 15. Milton Creek Gateway Landscapes 16. Thames Estuary Path

The Thames Estuary Path will link New community park and landscaping in Tilbury to other riverine attractions

Reconnecting a with town its it provides a valuable link between Lead Partner: Swale Council A linking thread And, as it develops, new sections of creekside heritage the town, its northern suburbs and HCA funding: £2.0 million the route are improving local networks the modern facilities of the Eurolink Match funding: £0.6 million People can already walk for nearly of footpaths, cycleways and, where This Parklands project is a key element industrial estate. 300 km along the Thames Path from possible, bridleways. in giving confidence to investors the river’s source in Gloucestershire involved in the creation of a new This project forms part of a wider to the Thames Barrier. Although this is not a Parklands project waterside district for Sittingbourne vision for the conservation and itself, several of the projects described around the head of Milton Creek. renewal of valuable creekside The Thames Estuary Path aims to in this booklet involve new or improved Based on plans developed through greenspace and wetland habitats. extend this route to join the coastal sections of the Thames Estuary Path detailed consultation with local Including a re-alignment of the Saxon paths on both sides of the river. or connections to it. This is a good residential and business communities, Shore Way and National Cycle Route example of a strategic aim being Church Marshes Country Park is along the Creek, it is a key step in Offering superb journeys of discovery, delivered through local action – so being extended south along the Creek. re-connecting Sittingbourne with its the extended Thames Path – several helping the overall vision to progress. Its 52 acres of greenspace will create waterside heritage and enhancing sections of which are already in place a new green heart for the town centre. journeys of exploration out to the – will link up with other long distance Lead Partner: Sustrans / Thames big estuary skies for local people paths that run inland to provide a Esturary Partnership Providing a strong landscape setting and visitors alike. tremendous range of itineraries for More info: www.thamesweb.com for future developments, and with visitors to enjoy. – South Essex 10 km of new foot and cycle paths, New benches at key entrances 30 31 Part 1: Ambition The Future

Change is Underway A Flexible Approach – developing schemes that support – encourage continued growth in The local authorities and groups working volunteer and ‘friends’ networks As the first round of Parklands In the context of Parklands, this is to improve and safeguard the many among organisations that care investment nears completion, where the concept of “one vision, valuable but unprotected green for natural and heritage assets Immediate the impact is increasingly visible. a thousand projects” is so important. spaces and wildlife habitats in the to strengthen civic pride and Like a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces can Gateway; citizenship; This evidence of change on the ground; be put in place step by step. – extending green grids within new – promote Commission for Future greater understanding of the case for developments, urban renewal and Architecture and the Built environmental investment; Sir Terry It is a highly flexible approach transport schemes. Environment’s ‘Grey to Green Farrell’s Parklands Spatial Framework that means the three Green Grid infrastructure’ agenda among and his work as the Gateway’s ‘Design partnerships can work with their engineers, architects, planners, Champion’ are all helping to promote partners and funders to deliver Re-shaping Horizons and developers – e.g. via green local pride and the confidence needed national priorities and meet local roofs, off-road green routes, for investment and sustainable needs at a pace to match available The economic crisis and the need sustainable drainage and natural growth. resources – while still keeping a to tackle debt have dramatically shading; sharp focus on the long-term vision. re-shaped everyone’s horizons. – encourage use of the Green The three Green Grid partnerships Making public funds work harder Infrastructure Toolbox, which helps have shown they can deliver an As a result of past development work, is crucial to maximise their impact to calculate the economic value of impressive programme on time and the three partnerships have portfolios on the Gateway’s success. greenspaces, to increase support for within budget. of projects. Working with government, investments in green infrastructure. these can be brought forward and/ The three Green Grid partnerships The first 15 Parklands projects are or adapted rapidly in response to are ideally placed to help in this task The three Green Grid partnerships a good start. But transforming the changing circumstances to create by seeking innovative ways to: have provided the vision, support , Gateway’s environment is not the flexible, locally-based delivery – develop and diversify Parklands influence and and flexibility needed task of a few years. Nor can any one programmes. investments from public, charitable to assist government in realising the agency or funding source deliver the and commercial sources at local, Thames Gateway core vision. many hundreds of projects involved. Working with landowners, farmers, national and European levels; Partnerships, diverse funding streams charities, government bodies and – maximise the public and Given the support of government and and delivery mechanisms are crucial. others, the partnerships also want environmental value of new and key partners, a partnership approach But above all, so is a strong vision, to continue Parklands delivery by: existing greenspace investments could be best placed to take forward continuity and confidence. – enhancing the street scene and key e.g. through sporting and cultural the Thames Gateway Vision into the transport corridors – e.g. through projects to expand the Olympic future. urban tree planting schemes, safer legacy; and facilitate green tourism, cycle routes, and sustainable urban health and educational activities; drainage schemes; – exploring all opportunities for Parklands delivery through transport, flood protection, farm improvement, land reclamation and other projects to create recreational amenities and accessible heritage;

Hadleigh Castle, Essex: a heritage site that will Sunrise on the Thames, looking westwards from host the 2012 Olympic Mountain Biking event the marshes into London 32 33 Part 3:

Parklands success to date has rested Parklands delivers on the localism Delivery Partners The Way on a partnership between government agenda. It has established a network and local parklands groups, the of reliable local delivery mechanisms Adidas Lewisham Council securing of dedicated resources which engage directly with Bexley Council London Thames Gateway Development Forward covering a three year period and communities and government. Barking & Dagenham Council Corporation a joint policy perspective. To take Parklands forward over the Basildon Council Medway Council next few years we would like to: Basildon Renaissance Partnership Medway Renaissance The programme has delivered on the British Waterways Mid Kent College strategic objectives of the Thames 1) Strengthen the partnerships to Castle Point Council Natural England Gateway project by creating high further engage with the localism Cleanaway Ltd. Newham Council quality places where people want to agenda. Cory Environmental Ltd. Olympic Development Authority live. As such the programme continues 2) Utilise funding to extract the Dartford Council Port of London Authority to be a catalyst for private investment, full amount of value from the Department for Communities and Local Renaissance Southend particularly in the housing sector. investment to date, as many Government Royal Society for the Protection of Birds benefits have still yet to be fully Development Agency (RSPB) The fact that London, Essex and Kent exploited. English Heritage Development Agency have supported parklands delivery is 3) Develop the investment strategy. Environment Agency Southend Council proof that they recognise its strategic In a time of reduced resources the Essex County Council Sustrans value and is proof of parklands partnerships will need to develop Essex Wildlife Trust Swale Council contribution to place making. creative investment strategies Forestry Commission Swale Economic Regeneration Partnership to exploit new opportunities i.e. Gravesham Council Thames Estuary Partnership seeking to optimise EU funding Authority Thames Gateway Kent Partnership and positioning the programme as Greenwich Council The Mayor of London an obvious adjunct to housing and Groundwork Three Mills Studios commercial investment plans. Hackney Council Thurrock Council Havering Council Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Kent County Council Corporation Kent Thameside Delivery Board Tower Hamlets Council Land Restoration Trust Transport for London Land Securities plc University of Essex Lea Valley Regional Park Authority Woodland Trust

“The higher the quality of the green space, the more likely it is to be used.”

Urban Green Nation: Building the Evidence Base, Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment

GREENING THE GATEWAY PARTNERSHIP 34 35