The Regeneration team identifies the strategic opportunities across the Regional Park to support social, economic and physical regeneration. This is achieved through:
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the development of area initiatives focused on the delivery of the Authority’s property strategy
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the joint procurement of topic based studies, e.g. with EEDA on the regeneration opportunities arising from the proposed Olympic White Water Canoe Centre in Broxbourne and our close involvement in the development of the new vision for the Upper Lee Valley with the NLSA
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reviewing our stakeholders’ strategies to ensure the Authority’s strategic aims can be delivered with the support of partners
The team has a successful track record in designing and implementing a range of schemes involving:
Examples of these schemes includes:
Trains to Birds
A scheme funded through the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund which developed a route from Cheshunt Station past some of the key birdwatching sites in River Lee Country Park at North Met Pit, Seventy Acres Lake and Holyfield Lake. Nesting and feeding habitats were created or enhanced along the route, a new view platform was installed close to the Cadmore Lane entrance, the Grebe Hide was upgraded and a number of interpretation panels and waymarkers were installed.
Tottenham Marshes
Using Growth Area Funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government the Authority, in partnership with the London Boroughs of Haringey and Waltham Forest is implementing a range of projects designed to improve access to and around the Marshes – over 100 acres of open space alongside the Lee Navigation.
These projects include
- Improved links from Blackhorse Road and Northumberland Park to the Marshes
- Refurbishment of entranceways to the Marshes – making them smarter, brighter, more secure and welcoming
- Creation of a 5km long surfaced route around the Marshes enabling the area to be used by people of all abilities in all weathers
- New bridge link from Waltham Forest to the towpath
- Interpretation panels explaining the rich environmental background of the area
- Clear welcome and directional signage to help visitors find their way around the site
At the heart of Tottenham Marshes is Stonebridge Lock, owned by British Waterways and the home of Friends of Tottenham Marshes (link to FoTM website) and, running through the area is the
Lea Valley Walk (link to Walk London website)
Sewardstone Marshes
This site forms a belt of green space across the Lee Valley through the London Boroughs of Enfield and Epping Forest which contains a diversity of wildlife.
Working with partners from the
GreenArc the Authority has already upgraded a path through this area which forms part of the
London Loop route but has historically suffered from severe flooding during winter months.
Plans are now underway to create a new wet grassland habitat in neighbouring Patty Pool Mead to encourage breeding wading birds and other species of wildlife such as dragonflies and water voles.
Bow Creek Ecology Park and East India Dock Basin
With £200,000 funding from London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, a wide range of improvements have been carried out to both of these sites at the extreme southern end of the Park. Fencing and new pathways have been installed, trees, shrubs and bulbs planted, a ramp to enable disabled access installed and a new entrance way created to create 2 islands of peace and seclusion for people and wildlife in the middle of this busy area on the borders of Tower Hamlets and Newham.
We have just successfully achieved additional funding through the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund for other projects for the Regional Park.
For further information on these projects or on other improvement schemes, please contact Janet Green, Partnerships Manager
Regional Community Engagement
The Authority operates at a sub-regional level with a wide range of recreational and leisure facilities which attract visitors from across Hertfordshire, Essex and London.
This is a large area with a population of around 15m. The Authority is conscious of the need to strengthen and in some cases develop its links with local communities and organisations involved in sport,leisure and nature conservation.
Consultants,
Beyond Green, have recently been commissioned to collate information on who the Authority needs to work with if we are to achieve our vision and ensure that the Regional Park is a sustainable resource for all. Their work will be used to inform the development of the Authority’s Regional Community Engagement Strategy.