Supporting the Framework
The current Park Development Framework is part of an ongoing process. We recognise that there are a number of other areas where the Framework requires further work. As such, we will focus our efforts on the following.
Delivery Plan
We want the Framework to set out clearly how we intend to deliver the Vision, Aims, Objectives and Proposals. We will integrate a Delivery Plan into the Framework that outlines clear delivery SMART targets (i.e. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound), specifically:
- What we want to achieve
- When we want to achieve things
- How we intend to resource the work necessary to achieve targets (identifying where future resources will be provided)
This approach will fit with our resource planning and performance structures. In the short term the emphasis will be to deliver the opportunity area development proposals identified below.
Opportunity area development proposals
The Framework identifies a number of opportunity areas within the Park. We want to explore these future development ideas further.
In some instances these areas are completely, or largely, in our ownership. In these areas we will take a lead role in generating ideas, attracting commercial investment and working with partners in order to maximise future contribution to the Park’s vision, aims and objectives.
Key opportunity areas on our estate include:
- The 2012 Olympic White Water Canoe Course - the focus of a major visitor destination in the north of the Regional Park.
- The former Lee Valley Leisure Pool site - a marketing process is underway to establish commercial interest for a major new visitor destination.
- Picketts Lock - site of the Lee Valley Athletic Centre, Odeon Cinema, golf course and caravan site where a marketing process is being carried out to establish commercial interest for a major new visitor destination.
- Wharf Road - predominantly owned by us, although unauthorised permanent residential intrusions are prejudicing the future development of the area in line with our remit.
In other areas we are just one of a number of landowners, partners or stakeholders working together towards a shared development aspiration. We will contribute towards the collective efforts to develop these sites, and at all times will seek to maximise development in line with the vision, aims and objectives of the Park.
Key opportunity areas where we are one of a many partners include:
- London 2012 Olympic Park – the most significant new visitor destination in the Regional Park comprising sport, recreation and nature conservation opportunities.
- Lea River Park – an extension of the Regional Park from the Olympic Park to the Thames.
- Walthamstow Wetlands – a potential new visitor destination in the middle of the Regional Park.
- Lea Bridge Road – potential for a new Park gateway between Hackney and Waltham Forest.
Site Management Plans and Facility Business Plans
Arguably the most effective way to implement the vision for the Park is through the day-to-day management and incremental development of our open spaces and facilities. All our facilities have Business Plans and most open spaces have Management Plans, all of which outline activities at site- specific detail.
We will undertake a rolling programme of review and refinement to ensure plans fully integrate the vision, aims, objectives and proposals set out in the Framework. Also, and importantly, we will identify how and what each site is contributing to our vision for the Park. This will be illustrated through site-specific prioritisation of objectives (e.g. some sites will have sport objectives as a priority, others may have biodiversity or events or visitor facilities). These priorities will be summarised and integrated into the future Framework to help illustrate how the Park is providing multiple benefits.
Topic based strategies and policy
The framework identifies a number of topic areas where further work is required. This will inform future proposals for the whole Park and at a site- specific level. We believe it is important to complete these strategies in order to provide a coordinated approach to the future development and management of the Park.
We will undertake these strategies as resources allow. Findings and recommendations will inform the ongoing review of the Framework’s proposals, and will support the preparation of opportunity area development proposals and site business and management plans.
Priority topic area strategies include:
- Branding and Identity Strategy
- Access Management Plan
- Accommodation Strategy
- Built Development (in the Park) Policy
- Event Capacity Strategy
- Learning Strategy
- Landscape Assessment and Strategic Landscape Vision (incorporating a Historic Environmental Characterisation)
- Water Management Strategy (review existing)
- Land Contamination Action Plan
We will also contribute to strategies led by other organisations that have potential impact on the Regional Park. For example, the Lower Lea Valley Water Quality Board, in conjunction with the Environment Agency, is co-ordinating projects across a number of organisations in order to improve the quality of the waterways in the Regional Park.