Unlocking the Potential of London's Canals and Rivers

Home , Bow Locks, Brent Reservoir, Chingford Reservoirs, Denham Lock Wood, Enfield Lock (lock), Harefield Pit

Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers Our Prospectus to support good growth, prosperity and wellbeing Foreword

London’s canal network developed over 200 years ago to link to As a Trust we are excited by the challenge the capital’s river navigations and provide a route for transporting goods from the Midlands and the North to markets in London and of getting our disparate communities and beyond, creating industry and supporting the city’s development partners to recognise and appreciate the and prosperity. tremendous benefits associated with their Today, our waterways continue to make an important contribution local canals and rivers.… making life better to life in the city, albeit very different from their original role. Their role is now as life-enhancing blue-green corridors offering by water. an escape from the busy city streets, for health, exercise, and community cohesion. They make a vital contribution to the From historic canals to tidal rivers, within London we have wellbeing of London society by creating places where people waterways that run through stunning open countryside want to live and work, and routes that they can use – for leisure as well as densely populated urban areas. and commerce. Across the Capital’s waterway network we have almost They connect people to places and offer a network of routes for 1.3m people living within one kilometre of our waterways. getting around the city away from the traffic or the heavily-used We have a fantastic opportunity to engage these people public transport system. They are inclusive and accessible places with the waterway network but we will only be able to do for people to discover and enjoy, for leisure and relaxation, this by developing a deep appreciation and knowledge of to connect with heritage, culture and nature. They provide a the communities within our region. resource that supports learning and the development of skills. To do this we need to ensure that our partnerships with local We believe they have an important role to play in supporting community groups, politicians and businesses are strong and the Mayor’s aspirations and the local plans of all of London’s proactive in nature to ensure we are able to fashion bespoke diverse communities, to be an agent for solutions to maximise the opportunities “Good Growth” and wellbeing in London. that London’s waterway network can undoubtedly help deliver. This report sets out in more detail how the Canal & River Trust can play its Together with our partners we can utilise part in supporting that important goal. the waterway network to create a more prosperous, cohesive and greener London.

Sir William Atkinson Allan Leighton Regional Advisory Board Chair Chair, Canal & River Trust Canal & River Trust

2 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 3 erways at t wat he London’s waterways: ’s he on a d City Life rt n o o f Contributing to Good Growth L : Neighbourhood 5 Life 4 2 3 6 Your Life Waterways as part of ‘City Life’, 1 People of ‘Neighbourhood Life’ and ‘Your Life’ 7 London Places of London

Capital Melting Pot

Extending Healthy Streets: Enabling Healthier 1 Delivering the Grand Union 5 Communities: Canal Quietway. Meridian Water. 2. Delivering 1. Extending Strategic See pages 14 to 17 See pages 40 to 41 Healthy Regeneration Streets Opportunities Delivering Strategic Supporting Good 2 Regeneration Opportunities: 6 Growth Locally: 8. Supporting 3. Cultural Old Oak & Park Royal. QE Olympic Park. Clean & Assets: Renewable a City for all See pages 36 to 37 See pages 42 to 43 Energy London’s Londoners waterways Cultural Assets – a City Providing Housing Choice: contributing to 3 for all Londoners: 7 Docklands – multi-functional 7. Providing Good Growth 4. Supporting Regent’s 200. spaces. Housing Green See pages 44 to 45 See pages 38 to 39 Choice Innovations

Supporting Green Supporting Clean & 6. Supporting 5. Enabling 4 Innovations: 8 Renewable Energy: Good Growth Healthier Potential for waterborne Heating & Cooling buildings; Locally Communities N freight linked to Crossrail2. Urban cooling. a ti See pages 20 to 21 See page 26 on al Par k City

4 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 5 Major new opportunities to The Trust’s canals, rivers create high quality waterway neighbourhoods exist across east, and docks in London today west and central London. This includes sites in the early planning stages such as Old Oak & Park Royal and Meridian Water and London’s 100km of canals and rivers owned in places like London Docklands, and managed by the Trust already make the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Hayes and Tottenham Hale a vital contribution to the wellbeing of the where new developments will build on the regeneration that has city, its neighbourhoods and its people. already happened. If appropriately planned, designed and funded, new developments can improve waterway environments and The Trust’s waterways can support the • The Paddington Basin opportunities for people to Mayor’s aspirations for Good Growth, redevelopment that has enjoy them. the vision for Healthy Streets and the overcome the challenges posed As well as providing excellent concept of the National Park City. by three generations of major opportunities for relaxation, leisure They connect centres of population, transport infrastructure to bring and active travel, our waterways and jobs, shops, culture and green and a new economic centre to this towpaths are increasingly taking on blue space, whilst helping the city to part of London; new roles in London’s sustainable meet its needs more sustainably. • The Queen Elizabeth Olympic growth. They’re contributing to the Many parts of the canal and river Park that knitted the waterways city’s green future by saving the network are alive with powered and into London’s hugely successful energy for cooling buildings and unpowered boats, and a variety of Olympic and Paralympic Games a means of managing the flow of towpath users. and legacy plans that continue surface water; our towpaths in to see the waterways as particular are supporting health and Reflecting their historic origins, vital parts of a sustainable wellbeing, access to culture and a canals flow through some of the regeneration of this substantial better understanding of heritage; more deprived parts of London. area of East London. and, through the Trust’s education, This provides significant scope volunteering and adoptions for the canals to act as a catalyst • The multi-award winning Brentford programmes, they’re helping for imaginative developments to Lock West by Waterside Places, communities to come together and enhance the lives of those living a joint venture between the individuals to develop new skills. and working locally. Trust and Muse, which has begun to bring new life to the canalside The Trust wants its vision of living Regeneration of the waterways and by regenerating former waterways that transform places waterside spaces in London has industrial land. and enrich lives to be shared by been delivering high quality places communities, local, regional and for many years. Amongst many • The regeneration of Tottenham national government, businesses others, these include: Hale, including the multi-award and other charities and believes that winning, mixed use development • The King’s Cross redevelopment, together we can build a policy and at Hale Village to the west of the with the amphitheatre terrace at delivery framework to achieve it. Lee Navigation. Granary Square that encourages people to engage with the activity of the Regent’s Canal; Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 6 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers along the Lee Navigation 7 London’s waterway neighbourhoods – existing & proposed

London’s waterway neighbourhoods – Camden Open Day, Regent’s Canal existing & proposed Over 1.2 million Londoners live within 1km of one of the Trust’s 100km of waterways in the city (15% of the city’s population).

Our waterways form an important For many users, our waterways part of 16 boroughs north of the provide a wonderful, free-at-the- Thames and the two Mayoral point-of-use asset.1 However, just Development Corporations. maintaining them comes at a cost for the Trust. In 2018/19, our London Canal & River Trust waterways are Waterway team spent approximately within or adjacent to many of the £3.5m, with a further approximately London Plan’s Opportunity Areas £2m being spent on more major and the Mayor’s Housing Zones. engineering schemes in London As planned, these sites alone amount and the South East, such as lock to approximately 125,000 new homes gate replacements. and 250,000 jobs, with Old Oak Park Royal and Meridian Water planning for 40,000 new homes and 75,000 jobs between them.

1 The Trust is not able to offer free public access to the waterways for all users or at all times

London Boroughs containing Trust waterways grouped as per London Councils definition: West Central East Trust Waterways River Thames

8 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 9 London’s waterway neighbourhoods – existing & proposed

Canal & River Trust waterways are within As planned, these sites alone amount to approximately2 or adjacent to many of the London Plan’s 125,000 and 250,000 Opportunity Areas and the Mayor’s new homes jobs Housing Zones. 2 Homes and jobs figures are based on documents issued by the Mayor of London prior to the publication of the Draft London Plan (2018), which contains figures yet to be adopted.

Ponders End 700 jobs 1,100 homes

Cricklewood/ Brent Cross 20,000 jobs 10,000 homes City Fringe/ Tech City 53,000 jobs 15,000 homes Meridian Water 6,700 jobs 10,000 homes King’s Cross/ St. Pancras Tottenham Hale 25,000 jobs 4,000 jobs 1,900 homes 5,000 homes Lower Lee Valley 50,000 jobs 32,000 homes Alperton Housing Zone Royal Docks & Beckton 40,000 jobs 3,200 homes 15,000 homes London Legacy Area 50,000 jobs 24,000 homes

Southall 3,000 jobs 6,000 homes

Hayes Poplar Riverside Housing Zone Housing Zone 6,400 homes 2,800 homes Old Oak & Park Royal Euston 65,000 jobs 14,100 jobs Isle of Dogs/ Docklands 25,500 homes 3,800 homes 110,000 jobs 30,000 homes Kensal Canalside 2,000 jobs Paddington/ 3,000 homes Edgware Housing Zone Opportunity Areas and Housing 5,000 jobs 1,000 homes Zones on London’s waterways as per Greater London Area Opportunity Area

Housing Zone Selected canalside opportunity, see pages 36-44 Trust Waterways River Thames

10 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 11 Waterways & wellbeing

Waterways & wellbeing There is significant potential for waterways to contribute to personal, community and societal wellbeing, consistent with the Mayor’s plans for Good Growth, Healthy Streets and the National Park City.

CITY LIFE NEIGHBOURHOOD YOUR LIFE LIFE

Health, Wellbeing & Happiness

Connecting People & Places & Cutting Congestion

On-Water Neighbourhoods

Engaged People & Cohesive Communities

Air Quality Moving Freight by Water Helping To Meet London’s Utility Needs Water Supply & Drainage

Creating a Smart City High Quality Placemaking

Supporting Businesses & Job Creation

Great Attractions & Places for Recreation

Connecting Habitats & Providing People Access to Nature Linked to the Trust’s Outcome Measurement Framework, 2017: Arts & Cultural Assets Health, Wellbeing & Happiness Engaged People & Cohesive Communities Green & Blue Futures Learning & Enhancing Skills Prosperous & Connected Places Cultural & Environmental Assets Learning & Enhancing Skills

12 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 13 Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of city life

Supporting the National Park City, Figure 1: Reasons why Active travel 33% people visit the Trust’s Fresh air/pleasant weather 17% great attractions and places for recreation waterways at Tottenham Hale (June 2017) To walk a dog 15% For health/exercise 15% Flowing from the north-east and north-west Time with family/friends 11% To entertain child/children 2% of the city and converging in east and central To enjoy nature/wildlife 10% London, the Trust’s waterways provide a free Relaxation/escaping everyday pressures 14% and inclusive space for a wide range of leisure For a day out 1% For quality time for oneself 5% pursuits and recreation. To experience history/heritage 2% To visit pub/restaurant 1%

Other 11% These include walking and cycling The Trust promotes our waterways on our towpaths and a variety of as London’s greatest park. When on-water activities. Whilst they’re combined our canals, rivers and alive with activities, especially in more docks – along with their towpaths central areas, our waterways offer a and docksides – cover an area more Waltham Abbey space where Londoners and visitors than twice the size of Hyde Park. Rickmansworth Lee Valley Aquadrome Athletics Centre can get away from the hustle and Camden A key part of what makes the Lock & Market bustle of city life. Walthamstow waterway network such an attractive Hillingdon Outdoor Regents Park Wetlands Activities Centre A great attraction in their own right, place to visit is the diversity of the Lords Cricket Victoria Park Ground our waterways also stitch together activities that take place on and King’s Denham Country Queen Elizabeth Little Venice Cross some of London’s other great cultural alongside the waterways. It’s a place Park & Colne Valley Olympic Park and leisure attractions, such as that’s alive with uses on land and visitors centre Regent’s Park, London Zoo, Queen water; a place where visitors can Three Mills Kensal Green Elizabeth Olympic Park, Victoria Park, experience great architecture and & St Mary’s Little Venice, and the Colne Valley design; a place that supports the Hanwell Cemetaries Museum of Lock Flight London Docklands Hyde Park and Lee Valley regional parks. Annual natural environment, wildlife and London Canal Syon House Museum visitors to these attractions are in the nature and the city’s greener future; & Park Sherlock Holmes The British Library tens of millions, with Camden Market a place where people can connect to Kew Museum & alone reporting annual visitors of culture and heritage; a space that’s Gardens Madame Tussauds ZSL London Zoo 28 million per annum. The waterways well looked after by the people that form an important part of the charm use it; and a space that’s accessible of these places and provide an for all Londoners. London’s greatest attractive route for Londoners and park should be one that both speaks Selection of visitor destinations visitors to move between them to the history of the city and reflects along Trust waterways in London 12 minute walking distance on foot, bicycle or on the water. its dynamism. Green Space They are a key component of Lee Valley Regional Park the National Park City. Colne Valley Regional Park © Crown copyright and database rights, 2019, Ordnance Survey 100030994.

14 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 15 Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of city life

Connecting people and places and cutting congestion

The Trust’s waterways in London provide attractive places for pedestrians and considerate cyclists, whether they are commuting or engaging in recreation. Regent’s Canal They can provide high quality routes, transport. In a towpath survey carried and associated benefits, in the same out for the Trust at Tottenham Hale way that the Mayor is hoping to (June 2017), of those people that were achieve with his Healthy Streets using the towpath for commuting, initiative. There are great opportunities 25% would have driven, 25% would to help meet the Mayor’s aspirations have travelled by bus and a further for increasing walking and cycling 18% would have travelled by train/tube by improving towpaths and their had the towpath not been available. Meridian Water 6,700 jobs connectivity because they offer the 10,000 homes The Trust is working with Transport types of routes that people want. for London and boroughs to deliver • Research carried out for the Trust a Quietway along the Grand Union

found that 50% of people agree Canal between Paddington and West London Legacy Area 50,000 jobs that they will go out of their way Drayton. There are opportunities 24,000 homes to find a quieter/greener area to to work in partnership to deliver a escape the hustle and bustle of similarly high quality and beneficial main roads. scheme elsewhere.

Old Oak & Park Royal 65,000 jobs Isle of Dogs/ Docklands • Over half (51%) said that they A River Lee Quietway in East 25,500 homes 110,000 jobs instantly felt more relaxed when London, for example, would provide 30,000 homes going from a busy area to the a strategic route linking several countryside or a green space. boroughs, building upon previous investments and helping to deliver • A study commissioned by TfL new growth in London. (Steer Davies Gleave – 2012 Cycle Connecting along the water Route Choice) highlighted that The Trust has adopted a national policy in the Greater London Area Rail: 50% of commuters and 62% of for shared use of towpaths – ‘Better 44no. Tube and surface rail stations within 500m of a canal leisure cyclists would change their Towpaths for Everyone’. Our ‘Share Crossrail route and stations Proposed Crossrail 2 route and stations

route to use parks/green spaces. the Space, Drop your Pace’ campaign Cycling: promotes the towpath code and is a 479km cycle routes in the GLA In London, walking and cycling on 118km (25%) is Trust multi-use towpath vital part of our efforts to ensure that 36km is integrated in Quietways 2 the Trust’s towpaths can reduce Selected canalside opportunity, they are places enjoyed by everyone. see pages 36-44 congestion on the roads and on public © Crown copyright and database rights, 2019, Ordnance Survey 100030994. Transport for London Open Data. 16 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 17 Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of city life

Air quality Helping to meet London’s utilities needs

The role that our waterways and towpaths London’s water & Creating a play in helping people get around the city, drainage needs Smart City as well as the use of the waterways to provide Our waterways can play a strategic Digital and telecommunication a sustainable energy resource, means that they role in alleviating water stress in technologies strengthen London, delivering resilience and communities, improve economic are helping London to tackle one of its great affordability to millions of customers. growth, enhance services and The Trust has been engaging with reduce energy consumption and environmental challenges – poor air quality. water companies about utilising our environmental emissions. waterways to transfer water from Telecommunications companies, areas with excess to areas of need, including Sky Networks, Vodafone, The Trust supports the Mayor’s aim Electric charging points are also being such as through a north-west to Virgin, BT and Tata Communications of reducing Londoners’ exposure installed on the towpath in Brentford, south-east transfer. It is likely that already utilise the towpath corridors to dangerous pollutants and our as a result of our partnership with both Thames Water and Affinity along our waterways within London waterways and towpaths already developers. We are working towards Water will have canal water resource – with the potential to accommodate contribute to this. Our evidence all permanent residential moorings schemes within their final Water even more. shows that emissions from boats on owned and managed by the Trust in Resource Management Plans. This the Trust’s network only account for London having electricity points. is on top of the existing water There is a real opportunity to around 0.01% of city-wide emissions. We are beginning discussions with transfer the Trust manages, which maximise existing towpath networks However, the Trust is working to help British Marine3 about how we can already supplies 25% of London’s and provide the opportunity for new boaters on our network to reduce work with boat and solid fuel stove water from the Lee Navigation. and improved infrastructure around emissions and the potential impact on densely populated areas, such as the manufacturers to ensure that a new The Trust’s network could also play their health and on local communities. routing of infrastructure for district generation of inland waterway boat a greater role in helping to meet heating schemes and increasing Our London Mooring Strategy engines and boat stoves incorporate local water needs, particularly needs mobile density to create 5G towns includes the development of an improved environmental standards. that can be met through the use of and cities. Eco Mooring Zone on the Regent’s We want the Government’s proposed grey water. Canal in Islington, in partnership with technology fund to be made available There is also the potential to utilise our Surface water runoff in London the London Borough of Islington to the Trust and the marine sector to land holdings for utility infrastructure is commonly, sustainably drained Council and funding from Defra. research and test such innovations. such as telephone masts. This will include installing electric into the Trust’s waterways, subject charging points on visitor moorings to our agreement, thus reducing in the borough so boaters have an the pressure on mains drainage alternative to running engines to infrastructure and helping to charge on-board batteries. manage flood risk. Particularly in the case of major regeneration areas, our waterways could be 3 British Marine is the trade association for the part of the strategic sustainable UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial urban drainage network. marine industry.

18 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 19 Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of city life

Moving freight by water

Transporting construction materials and demolition waste by water could help to take HGVs off the roads, thereby reducing congestion and potentially improving road safety.

Although freight vessels are no Despite policy support, it remains longer the main users of the Trust’s relatively rare for new developments Three Mills Lock waterways in London, the River Lee to make use of waterways to Navigation between Bow Creek transport freight during construction and the M25 remains classified as or once they’re operating. There a commercial waterway. Freight remains untapped potential. vessels are also welcome users on In the past, boroughs have given non-commercial waterways where consideration to whether the they can operate within the current household waste from waterside policies and arrangements for TOTTENHAM developments could be transported operation and maintenance and North to: by barge to waterside energy from Enfield & other uses. Waltham waste plants. Waste from such plants Cross If Crossrail 2 were to be given the could also be transported away from Interchange between the green light to proceed, the current these sites by barge. We remain Tottenham Hale Crossrail 2 Lee Navigation and the plans would see the northern tunnel keen to explore such opportunities Tunnel Portal tidal River Lee & River Thames portal located close to the River Lee at Bow Locks with partners. South to: Navigation at Tottenham. There is the The Thames very real possibility for the navigation & beyond to be utilised in its construction, with improvements to the waterway infrastucture leaving a great legacy and further opportunities to support Good Growth in the Lee Valley.

Tottenham Hale Freight Opportunity Area of freight potential Freight route Crossrail 2 line Interchange Point

20 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 21 Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of city life

Connecting habitats & providing people with access to nature

On or adjacent to our London network of waterways there are ten Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), a Special Protection Area, a Ramsar Site and 85 non-statutory wildlife sites. credit Jack Perks credit Jane Russell

European eels are being encouraged We work with partners on its back to the Grand Union Canal and management. Floating reedbeds Chingford Reservoirs Walthamstow Reservoirs the Lee Navigation through our have been installed and trees and - RAMSAR construction of eel passes at Stoney scrub managed to encourage Old Park Wood - Special Protected Area Sluice in Brentford, Lee Bridge Weir marshland around the edge of the and Bow Locks. By improving these reservoir. Great Crested Grebe, Harefield Pit to enable monitoring, we’re getting Pochard, Shoveler and Gadwall are people closer to this fascinating, among the birds to both visit and Denham Lock Wood endangered species. breed at the site. Brent Reservoir Walthamstow Marshes Fray’s Farm Meadows We continue to work to preserve Aquatic vegetation is important Mid Colne Valley the environments on our waterway habitat for both aquatic and Syon Park corridors and structures that terrestrial species, and helps improve support bats, such as Daubenton’s water quality. Through planning and Common Pipistrelle bats, who contributions, mooring pontoon feed from the insects found in proposals and joint working with these habitats. partners, we are gaining reed beds as habitat enhancements, such as Brent Reservoir is one of London’s the reed/rush coir rolls installed in hidden gems, with an internationally the Lee Navigation within the Olympic important residential and Park. Our work helps support water overwintering bird population. voles along the River Lee and Stort, and the Grand Union Canal.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the Greater London Area SSSI areas adjacent to canals Trust Waterways River Thames Lee Valley Regional Park Colne Valley Regional Park

Supporting regeneration through Brentford Phase 1 high quality placemaking

Waterways provide a strong sense of place and connection. They help shape the way people live their lives, how they think and feel and their relationships with others in their community.

A study published in the Royal They should be the starting point Society Open Science journal for consideration and not be treated (July 2017) “Using Deep Learning as just settings or backdrops for to Quantify the Beauty of Outdoor development, but as spaces and Places” by researchers at the leisure and commercial resources in University of Warwick and the their own right. By optimising views Alan Turing Institute highlighted of the water, developments can the importance of waterways in generate natural surveillance of water increasing the scenic value of space, and encourage and improve outdoor spaces, especially in urban access to, along and from the water. areas. The ‘canal natural’ feature was Urban regeneration by the Trust, its found to be the strongest positive partners and other third parties over predictor of scenic quality in built-up the last decade or so in London has urban areas and ‘rivers’ were ranked delivered better used and valued eighth of thirty-four factors identified. waterway spaces. We want all local Maintaining and improving the authorities and developers in close contribution that waterways make proximity to waterway corridors to the scenic and functional quality to be committed to delivering this of a place as it develops and London for the benefit of their residents, as a National Park City requires high users and workers as the substantial quality design that considers the land regeneration alongside the Trust’s and waterspaces together. The Trust waterways in London is planned and and the Town & Country Planning delivered. Robust design policies and Association (TCPA) have published masterplanning will be required. guiding principles for planning and designing developments near water. Water spaces should be seen as an integral part of a wider network and part of the public realm.

24 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 25 Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of neighbourhood life

Helping to meet London’s heating Supporting businesses and cooling energy needs & job creation

Water from the Trust’s waterways can be used Bringing life to our waterways for heating and cooling new developments. is at the heart of what we do.

The need to decarbonise heating with at its head office at Brentford. Areas in need of regeneration are For some businesses, waterways low carbon solutions using heat pumps The scheme has reduced their often located close to waterways, provide an attractive amenity for is a priority both nationally and in carbon dioxide emissions by linked to their former industrial use. their workforce, whilst for some, our major cities. Our waterways have 920 tonnes per year and has Over the past 20 years, waterways such as floating businesses, they are the potential to provide not only low significantly lowered it’s have been both the catalyst and the absolutely essential to their success. carbon energy, which can be extracted energy bills. focus for an immense amount of The Trust’s continued commitment by water source heat pumps, but also regeneration and development. • Two new residential to improving waterway environments as an enabler for decentralised energy developments, Dollar Bay and Some of London’s most popular and and access through good design and networks. Currently in Docklands Baltimore Wharf in Docklands successful business areas are located the provision of interactive spaces we are working with a number of are using the dock as a source alongside water, such as London along our waterways contributes stakeholders to deliver a low carbon of low carbon cooling. Docklands, Paddington and Park to the ability of private companies energy solution. Royal. Waterways are also supporting to prosper. The urban heat island effect is a The technology required to deliver more community-based SMEs and feature of modern cities – the build- cooling from canal and dock water is social enterprises in some of the up of heat in densely developed already successfully used in London: most dynamic areas of the city. urban cores. Waterways can provide • Glaxo Smith Kline are using water ‘blue lungs’ for residents and visitors from the Grand Union Canal as alike, contributing to urban cooling an alternative to air conditioning in hot summer months.

Component & equipment manufacturer Docks Steel boat fabricators Craft Waterway River navigations Canal boat building Manufacturers Infrastucture Canals Glass reinforced plastic Reservoirs boat building MARINE Non-powered craft INDUSTRY

Marinas Commercial waterside Service Boatyards markets & local shops Providers Boat hire e.g. Trade & trip boats canoes & pedalos Other attractions e.g. Mooring providers museums, parks Services needed for Pubs, restaurants & cafes day-to-day cruising

26 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 27 Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of neighbourhood life

On-water neighbourhoods

Living on the water has become an increasingly popular choice in London.

There has been a significant growth We hope that the actions proposed in the number of boats using the in the London Mooring Strategy Trust’s waterways in London in will help to maintain or improve the last decade (increasing from conditions for all waterway users, around 2000 in 2010 to 5000 in such as access for other water- 2018), especially those continuously based activities including angling, cruising the network. We estimate rowing, canoeing and paddle- that more than half of the boats boarding and towpath users. on our London waterways are now The provision of new long-term used as a permanent home. Boating on the Lee Valley Navigation moorings can help to provide The growth in the popularity of additional housing choice. In certain boating has brought many benefits. locations, there may be opportunities Part of our London Mooring to deliver other forms of floating Strategy is to facilitate, where accommodation that can deliver Outputs from the London Mooring Strategy: possible, additional long-term these same benefits and help to offside moorings (including meet development needs. 1. Development of new long-term moorings to be supported and residential moorings, where prioritised in quieter/less busy areas of the London waterways. appropriate) on quieter parts 2. Encourage development of long-term moorings from a diverse of our waterways in London, range of providers. which may require the support of local authorities through the 3. Improve provision, maintenance and management of short-stay moorings. planning process. 4. Develop custom short-stay moorings (such as pre-bookable) to meet customer demand. Figure 2: Growth in boat numbers on our waterways in London 5. Winter moorings that recognise and balance the needs of all customers’ 5,000 using the waterways. Notes: 4,000 - Figures rounded to 6. Better provision and management of boating facilities to meet nearest 100 customer need. 3,000 - Includes boats in 7. Improve communication between boaters and the Trust. some marinas, basins 2,000 and waterways 8. Increase business boating activity in key London waterway destinations. connected to the 1,000 Trust’s network where 9. Support activities that ensure accessible and affordable access a licence from the 0 Trust is not required to the water for all. 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

28 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 29 Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of your life

Your health, wellbeing & happiness

Our waterways touch many aspects of society and enhance the physical and mental health of the population.

Research shows that any visit to a Improved access and greater waterway is associated with higher promotion of our waterways could levels of life satisfaction than for play an important role in improving non-waterway users and visiting both mental and physical health, regularly is associated with even especially in the communities higher levels of life satisfaction. that are close to our waterways Nationally, the total wellbeing value but are unaware of them. Physical of visits to waterways is estimated improvements to towpaths and their at £3.8bn per annum.4 access can help to achieve this, Waterways Festival but so can cultural and community From our towpath surveys in London, engagement initiatives that help the majority of users agree that communities to see the waterways access to our waterways encourages as the inclusive and free resources them to do more exercise than they GoodGym • GoodGym Ealing have been at for many activities that they are. otherwise would do. Over 90% of the Use of towpaths, wellbeing and active work on the Grand Union Canal towpath users surveyed engage in We engage with GPs and community near Hanwell. exercise that raises their heart rates groups to promote Healthy Walks and participation all come together in a within the boroughs that the surveys other events using our waterways to collaboration between GoodGym • GoodGym Harringey have helped were undertaken (Westminster help people find ways to incorporate (a not-for-profit volunteer keep fit at volunteering events near and Haringey). This figure was only exercise and enjoyment into their initiative) and the Trust in London: Tottenham and Stonebridge Locks just over 50% amongst the general everyday lives. We want to do more • A team of runners from GoodGym on the Lee Navigation. population.5 with partner organisations to identify Brent are helping the Trust to and break down barriers that can • Two further GoodGyms are We know that users have a broad prevent communities from benefitting care for the Brent Feeder and the working consistently in central range of primary motivations from our waterways. Grand Union Canal near Harlesden, London and have spaces allocated for visiting our waterways, with through our adoption programme. to access their own tools. activities based around relaxation We believe our waterways can make and socialising being frequently a positive contribution to the cited. Almost all respondents to our National Park City and deliver the 4 Simetrica “Assessing the wellbeing impacts towpath surveys in London agree same benefits as Healthy Streets, of waterways usage in England and Wales” that the waterways are a good place including providing spaces for people 5 In the 2016 Sport England Active to relax and de-stress. to relax, things for people to see People Survey. and do and an escape from the noise of motor vehicles.

30 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 31 Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of your life

Arts & cultural assets Learning & enhancing skills

Events and installations provided by the We are working to inspire children and Trust as part of our community engagement young people to consider engineering programmes help to inspire positive as a profession, to equip them with the memories of places and waterways. skills they need to thrive in the workplace They also provide a further incentive and to help tackle the skills shortage for people to engage in activities on the within UK engineering organisations. waterways that can have wider benefits, Engineering is facing a skills shortage • contribute to a skilled workforce; such as physical and mental health. and improving interest in STEM • encourage greater diversity subjects and careers is a vital part within the workforce; of tackling this. Research has shown that engineering activities in schools • help develop confident and Newton’s Cottage was make students view engineering more knowledgeable individuals. a temporary, ambitious positively, with students taking part In 2019, Aramco have agreed to fund architectural artwork sited in these activities also being twice as a three-year STEM programme for likely to understand what engineering at Carpenter’s Road Lock in secondary schools in London. We careers mean. the Queen Elizabeth Olympic will be able to recruit a dedicated Park. The ‘cottage’ was an As an organisation, we employ many member of staff who, along with our enlarged timber-frame edifice STEM professionals and nearly all STEM ambassadors and volunteers, echoing the structure of the our work is STEM related. We are will deliver our programme within old lock keeper’s house that therefore in a great position to deliver schools and, most importantly, once stood at Carpenter’s a STEM learning programme focussed canalside where pupils will visit and Road. A series of public on real life examples, engaging with meet our inspirational engineers. children and young people and for events were curated at There are great opportunities for them to engage with waterways in Newton’s Cottage to raise people of all ages to expand their innovative and unique ways. awareness of the significance knowledge and skills through visits to of this historic site. Through our work with schools, we our waterways and by working with want to: the Trust. • bring real life practical examples to the teaching profession; • enable pupils to make better informed career decisions; Newton’s Cottage, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Observatorium. Credit: Thierry Bal

32 33 Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of your life

Engaged people & cohesive communities

Half of the people who live within 1km of our waterways in London are Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic group. Yet our user surveys show this significant proportion of local communities is under-represented School visit to the Grand Union Canal amongst waterway and towpath users. Spirit of Stonebridge Lower Regent’s Coalition To deliver the greatest impact, users Adoptions offer the opportunity The Trust has worked with local “Since we got a regular litter picking of the waterways and towpaths for communities to help to shape business (the local Waterside Café), group going in 2013 it’s been a case should more closely reflect the wide the waterway place that’s local and Action for Kids, the Lea Valley of ‘what else we can do to make our diversity of the local communities important to them. The work of the Regional Park Authority and the stretch even better?’. We’ve been around them. This will enable a Hanover School Association near Friends of Tottenham Marshes, wider range of users to share in the City Road Lock in Islington is a great successful in a number of funding with funding from Tesco’s ‘Bags benefits. It is vital that we actively example. Through their adoption, pitches, up to £20k in one case, from promote the waterways as inclusive they have worked with the Trust to of Help’ to transform the area the Mayor of London’s Greener spaces for all Londoners. There are design, fundraise, deliver and maintain around Stonebridge Lock and City Fund. These grants have allowed a variety of ways that the Trust does a school garden on a disused piece of Waterside Centre on the River us to build floating reed beds that this both in London and nationally. land next to the towpath, in a borough Lee. An area that had become provide habitat for birds, fish and with the lowest level of green space the subject of regular vandalism Community engagement, volunteering invertebrates. With more grant in England. London has seen the first and had the highest repair bills of and local adoptions are key ways funding we’ve able to create two canal ‘super-adoption’ in the country, any operational property on our that the Trust connects local people 150m2 wildflower meadows on with a coalition led by PoplarHARCA with the waterways. In 2018/19 in network is now a community hub, either side of the canal.” adopting the Limehouse Cut and our London and South East Region with an edible garden and terrace. already starting to deliver benefits. volunteers worked for approximately Molly Gadenz Today an estimated 38 miles of A combination of the local boating 74,000 hours to provide a huge from the Lower Regent’s Coalition waterways owned by the Trust in our community, volunteer lock keepers variety of skills and expertise to who have adopted the stretch of London and South East Region have our waterways. for the Trust, local groups and the the Regent’s Canal from Limehouse been adopted. London Community Rehabilitation Basin to Mile End Opportunities include caring for the Company all now play a key role waterway, welcoming and supporting in helping to ensure that the its users and teaching younger improvements are sustainable generations about it. and act as a catalyst for further local enhancements.

34 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 35 WaterwaysOpportunities & wellbeing Waterways as part of neighbourhood life

We have been working closely with There is also potential to: Old Oak & Park Royal the OPDC on the Grand Union • See the canal as part of the Canal policy in its Local Plan and strategic sustainable urban supporting the preparation of drainage system for Old Oak more detailed studies into canal and Park Royal, which would The Grand Union Canal sits at the heart of enhancement opportunities. We help to reduce the need to want the canal environment and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development undertake costly upgrades to the experience of canal users mains drainage infrastructure; Corporation (OPDC) area in west London. to be key considerations in the masterplanning of new communities • Use the canal to support heating and infrastructure to ensure that and cooling needs as part of a opportunities for the waterway to heat network; There is a great opportunity to play a key role in the sustainable • Use the waterway to play a role create high quality waterway regeneration of the area are taken. neighbourhoods as part of the in the movement of materials in development of approximately the demolition and construction 27,000 new homes, 70,000 new Quietway & Canalside phases of development and linear park jobs, an HS2 station and new Waste potentially following completion. London Overground stations. management site OPDC proposed The Development Corporation road bridges shares the Trust’s view that the Canalside cluster: canal corridor is a key opportunity Grand Union for enhanced green/blue linkages, Square & Station a key part of its sustainable future 6 40 and an important feature in the A Mary Seacole approach to placemaking. Facilitating Gardens improved activity on the waterway Early Activation: corridor through development runs Abbey Road through the OPDC Draft Local Plan. Early Activation: Quietway & Harlesden Canalside linear park Delivering high quality standards Powerday wharf of placemaking in combination with long-term management plans will be key to the success of the waterside development within the OPDC area. Old Oak & Park Royal Improvements to the towpath and Opportunity Area Proposed Proposed foot bridge access points, including their Old Oak North: Area of major station maintenance, will be needed but in canal-side regeneration Birchwood Proposed development Nature Reserve a way that it is consistent with the Proposed HS2 character of the waterway and the Industrial intensification area station and line OPDC-recognized canalside shared use nature of the towpath. heritage site Opportunities for heating, cooling, and SUD systems Opportunities for new Area boundary on-water uses throughout Early Activation: 6 Information and plans are based on the © Crown copyright and database rights, 2019, Old Oak and Park Royal Old Oak Lane Ordnance Survey 100030994. OPDC’s Draft Local Plan A40

36 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 37 WaterwaysOpportunities & wellbeing Waterways as part of neighbourhood life

Docklands B u r d e t t

R A o 1 Much of the land around the docks on the 0 a

d 2 Isle of Dogs is now vibrant, bustling with New Crossrail Station

Barge Village activity. However, large areas of the docks North Dock Residential Restaurant, retail, public amenity and themselves remain underused areas of leisure uses Dock Road Poplar Dock East India Marina open water that do little to evoke the area’s Residential heritage as a place where the on-water Asp B en W la ay c and dock-side activities went hand-in-hand. kw al l T un ne Encouraging a range of uses within New floating uses within the docks South Dock l Deep water waterspaces is an important part of can help to bring new economic Moorings creating thriving waterway places and cultural opportunities for the Wood Wharf that can add to the diversity and residents, workers and visitors to Commercial, vibrancy of the area. As the Isle Docklands. They can also help to Leisure of Dogs continues to deliver the meet the borough’s development substantial levels of growth that needs and provide accommodation Millwall Inner Dock Leisure, Commerical, London Borough of Tower Hamlets choice, whilst improving natural Residential & Public and the Mayor have planned, it will surveillance and enhancing local Amenity be important to ensure that new character. The large expanses of waterside development complements water, relative to the canal network, Millwall Outer Dock Watersports Area existing important mooring locations provide the opportunity for more Residential & Leisure for boats, such as the southern innovative on-water uses to be side of South Dock, and that new delivered that allow residents, W opportunities to encourage on-water workers and visitors greater e st fe uses are taken. opportunities to engage with the rr y waterspaces, whilst also providing Ro The impact of further tall buildings ad environmental benefits, such as on waterspaces – particularly on improved habitat. the microclimate, navigability and biodiversity – needs to be carefully considered as part of masterplanning. It should take both land and water London Docklands Opportunity Area into account and how the docks Dock Areas: Opportunities for Heating & Cooling Mixed use Proposed development can be used to support heating Leisure Transit Stations and cooling networks for the many Commercial Cycle Routes surrounding developments. Residential Tower Hamlets Borough © Crown copyright and database rights, 2019, Ordnance Survey 100030994.

38 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 39 WaterwaysOpportunities & wellbeing Waterways as part of neighbourhood life

Meridian Water

The waterway and waterside spaces Towpath connections should be a central reason why people to Enfield Lock, Lee Valley Cheshunt & Waltham Regional Park want to live, work and visit Meridian Water, Abbey once the regeneration is complete.

An gel No The Trust shares Enfield Council’s The Lee Navigation can support R n rth o o C a i d t irc aspiration for the development to the sustainable development of a u g la i r deliver an active waterway through Meridian Water as developers take v R a o N a inclusive masterplanning and high opportunities to use the waterway d e e quality urban design, delivering active for heating and cooling. L

e frontages to the Lee Navigation and v i

Improvements to the canal R improved connectivity for pedestrians New Meridian towpath and access to it should Proposed and cyclists to the towpath, helping Water Station play a major role in improving ‘causeway’ to create a healthy community. north-south connectivity from the bridge crossing Emerging plans recognise the site to existing communities and potential for a wide variety of on- employment centres and areas of Potential for new water uses, including freight, leisure, regeneration, such as Tottenham offside moorings Potential for active tourism, education, waterbus and Hale, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic canal frontage, water taxi services along the Lee Park and London Docklands, adding both sides Navigation. There are potential further justification for the River opportunities to go further than Lee Navigation to become a future Towpath connections Lee Valley this by creating new waterspaces Quietway. It will also provide an to Tottenham Hale, Regional Park QE Olympic Park & to help develop the character of attractive means of accessing the Docklands Meridian Water as an attractive surrounding Lee Valley Regional and distinctive place. Park. New development should make a proportionate contribution Meridian Water 7 Information taken from Enfield Council’s to canal improvements and upkeep. Opportunity Area7 draft Edmonton Leeside Area Action Plan Area of potential canal-side regeneration

Employment and retail intensification area Opportunities for heating, cooling and SUD systems Areas of regeneration within the wider Meridian Water plan Area boundary © Crown copyright and database rights, 2019, Ordnance Survey 100030994.

40 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 41 WaterwaysOpportunities & wellbeing Waterways as part of neighbourhood life

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Opportunity Area Residential development area V L Moorings Mixed use regeneration area Cycle routes Industrial intesification area Transit stations The Trust’s waterways contributed to the Improved crossings and connections Schools Area boundary success of London’s Olympic Games and Open space, sport, leisure they have benefitted the regeneration in © Crown copyright and database rights, 2019, Ordnance Survey 100030994. this part of East London.

Careful restoration of the Bow Back • Regeneration of Hackney Wick ad o R ss Rivers has created space for nature town centre. ro C t as and encouraged wildlife to return E

• The new Pudding Mill community. to this part of East London. Along East Wick/ with the River Lee Navigation they • The Sugar House Lane Here East Trade mooring T have become popular destinations employment area. L Lesiure mooring for walkers, cyclists and boaters, • Bromley by Bow supermarket providing a great way to visit and V remodelling and primary school. Hackney Copper Box explore this increasingly popular area. Wick Stratford The Trust-led, HLF-funded, project We want to see developments in City to restore the historic Carpenters the London Legacy area continue to Sweetwater Road Lock has further opened up the improve the quality of the waterways East Bank Wickside waterways of the QE Olympic Park. and access to them and take the London Aquatic Centre opportunities that they offer for T The legacy regeneration is far from Neptune ‘Good Growth’. We want to ensure Wharf V complete. Plans from the London London T that significant developments, like Stadium Legacy Development Corporation T the Cultural and Education District, (LLDC) identify development UCL East improve the integration of land allocations to build upon the success V and waterways, including through Visitor mooring Bridgewater of the Olympics and provide Road pontoons and moorings on the water comprehensive regeneration of the as well as active bankside frontages area. Key regeneration schemes that with high quality public open space. Pudding will impact on the Trust’s waterways Mill and their communities include: The new Local Plan and masterplans Visitor mooring V V T Trade mooring should continue to identify new L • The Cultural and Education Sugar connection points, proposed open House Lane R District, which will bring the V&A, spaces and active frontages. It should Bow Free Wharf R BBC, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Important and well-used Residential mooring continue to aim for the creation of wharf on towpath. University College London and distinctive waterway environments ad Three the University of the Arts London l Ro Mills and pursue the aspirations that the Bow to Stratford, providing London’s Trust and the LLDC set out in the Bromley largest cultural and educational by Bow waterspace strategy for the area. district to be created in 100 years.

42 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 43 WaterwaysOpportunities & wellbeing Waterways as part of neighbourhood life

Regent’s 200 Angel Festival, Regent’s Canal

We want to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the completion of the Regent’s Canal with a programme of local engagement activities.

There are already some excellent For Regent’s 200 in 2020, we want projects taking place along the to focus on wildlife and greening, Regent’s through groups such as learning and skills, place, and culture the Lower Regent’s Coalition and and heritage. We plan on engaging Limehouse Social. By working with local schools and community in partnership with the creative groups and working collaboratively community, schools and cultural with them to improve hidden corners organisations along the canal, we and unloved spaces. This will be run can better appeal to the mixed alongside a learning and volunteering community around the Regent’s, programme and groups will be including the 350,000 Londoners supported to adopt their newly that live within a 15-minute walk of it. improved space for the long-term. We can enhance the Regent’s Working in partnership with other Canal as a setting for culture, organisations, participants will exercise, learning, volunteering, gain new skills, will learn about the relaxation and enrichment. These history of the canal and will take improvements will provide a better part in cultural activities in newly customer experience for the improved spaces. hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Grand Union Canal, Regent’s Canal, Limehouse Cut, River Lee, 44 Unlocking the potential of London’s canalsHertford and rivers Union Canal Ring; extended site for 20 events for 2020 45 Our credentials Regeneration and development Transforming places – creating great places Strong track record in delivery and partnership working

The Canal & River Trust is an experienced, innovative and reliable delivery partner. We have worked in partnership with a number of public, private and voluntary organisations across a range of projects.

Major infrastructure projects Living waterways – engineering excellence

Images Top: Carpenters Road Lock Left: Prescott Lock, Olympic Waterways

Images Top: Brentford, Phase 1 Above: King’s Cross waterfront Left: Completed development at Bow Wharf

46 47 Supporting our waterways to deliver more Floating Cinema by Duggan Morris Architects

We invite public, private and voluntary sector organisations and individuals that share our vision for how our waterways in London can support the city’s ‘Good Growth’ to work with us to help deliver these benefits.

Our waterways already deliver • We want London’s canals to be • To support the major • We want to work with the Mayor, many great benefits for London as well-known as its parks and regeneration that they have boroughs and other partners to and Londoners. However, with for them to be an important part planned, we want the Mayor realise the cultural benefit of the more people caring for them, of the National Park City. The and boroughs to put in place waterways, including their historic more funding to improve them National Park City concept should policies that deliver high quality importance, to provide great and policies that provide them protect what is great about our placemaking and design along, experiences for existing users the right levels of protection, waterways, including the peaceful and adjacent to, waterways. and to attract new audiences. they can do more: spaces and wildlife corridors We want this to build on the • We want partners to help realise they provide, but not prevent lessons that can be learnt from • We want the Mayor, boroughs, the potential that waterways appropriate initiatives that allow the many regeneration schemes developers, key stakeholders have for London’s green future more people to benefit from that have already begun or and communities to value, and by facilitating the delivery of them and for them to support are now completed in order make the most of, the role that heating and cooling networks, ‘Good Growth’. to deliver active, vibrant waterways play in supporting providing new water supply waterway neighbourhoods. the ‘Good Growth’ of London • Investment in our towpaths can options, including helping to and its neighbourhoods and support more people to use them • We support the Mayor’s aim meet strategic water resource the wellbeing of Londoners. for active, sustainable travel. of reducing the exposure of requirements, and continuing Continuing the joint working with Londoners to harmful pollution to provide sustainable • Along with partners, we want the Mayor and boroughs that we and we think that our waterways drainage solutions. to maintain and increase our have started on Quietways on have a role to play. However, engagement with Londoners our network has the potential to proposals to regulate emissions on or near our waterways help deliver the Mayor’s vision from vessels using waterways in and work with them to to significantly increase levels London should be proportionate create a greater sense of of walking and cycling. This can to the scale of emissions arising. pride in these places, whilst deliver many of the same benefits We’re keen to continue to work delivering more volunteering, as Healthy Streets and should be in partnership with boroughs adoptions, education and skills seen as complementary. and other stakeholders to development opportunities. provide positive solutions.

48 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 49 Contact us

We believe that London’s Waterways can help to support London’s Good Growth, play a key role in the National Park City and deliver many of the benefits of Healthy Streets. If you share our vision, and wish to explore any of the opportunities set out in this Prospectus, please contact us.

London & South East Regional Director STEM Education Ros Daniels Mike Wakeford [email protected] [email protected]

Strategy Enquiries Commercial Water Development Heather Clarke Darren Leftley Director of Strategy, [email protected] Engagement & Impact [email protected] Utilities Nick Pogson Spatial Planning [email protected] Steve Craddock Find out more about how we are making [email protected] life better by water in your area: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us

canalrivertrust.org.uk Version One: July 2019

50 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 51