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Walthamstow Wetlands
Briefing
Walthamstow Wetlands offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to maximise the
environmental and regeneration benefits of this unique open space. Our shared
vision is to open up Walthamstow Reservoirs to wider public access as an urban
wetland centre and nature reserve in the heart of the East End of London. We
want this unique landscape, constituting 178 Ha (440 acres) of space, to become
a valued part of the life of local people and a popular regional visitor
destination.
The reservoirs, located just north of the Olympic Park and central to the Lee
Valley Regional Park, constitute the single largest man-made body of water in
London. They are recognised as being of international, national and local
importance for wildlife, are the largest fishery in London and remain the
principal source of water supply to the city.
Termed, Walthamstow Wetlands, this 'wild space', is surrounded by dense urban
settlements containing some of the most deprived communities in the UK, with
deficiency of good quality open space. Almost half a million residents live
within two miles of the area (people living in 13 surrounding Boroughs can reach
the site in 45 minutes by public transport). Yet, physical, visual and
psychological access to Walthamstow Wetlands (this includes the reservoirs and
adjoining waterways, marshlands and parks making up 400 Ha (988 acres) in total)
is disjointed and unwelcoming, creating a culture of severance between people
and landscape which has lasted for over a hundred years.
This project, which includes a 'Water and Life, visitor centre, will open up
this exceptional blue/green asset for local people to experience and enjoy,
contributing to the quality of life and health and wellbeing of citizens. This
links into our and the Mayor's 'convergence' ideals, helping to support
sustainable communities in this part of London.
Unlike the Olympic site, and park development in the Lower Lea, we do not have
to build a park as much of the infrastructure in place. This means that with
relatively little cost and through modest interventions, it will be possible to
deliver a significant asset to London. The project cost is estimated at around
£10m which, compared to similar projects elsewhere (such as the Barnes Wetland
Centre, which we understand cost in the region of £30M to deliver) is good value
for money. Overall, the Business Plan (CBA April 2010) for the project assumes
there will be 100,000 visits/year to the 'Water and Life' attraction, and
250,000 visits/year to Walthamstow Reservoirs overall.
The proximity of Walthamstow Wetlands to the Olympic park means that it can be
showcased as part of a striking and influential legacy. Walthamstow Wetlands
will allow access to nature, biodiversity and wildlife habitats, which will add
value to the offer of the Olympic park, creating an exceptional overall leisure,
environmental and educational resource.
Walthamstow Wetlands will play an integral role in the transformation and
renewal of this part of the Lee Valley. The delivery of a more attractive
environment, improved access to exceptional blue/green assets will help boost
confidence in the area, helping to attract investment, particularly at
Opportunity Areas in Blackhorse Lane, Tottenham Hale and the North Olympic
Fringe. The sustainable regeneration of East London depends on easy access to
quality open spaces as well as homes and jobs.
The Project
The project will build on key features of the reservoirs as
· the principal source of water supply;
· a recognised wildlife habitat and striking waterscape; and,
· important industrial landscape,
to create a distinctive urban wetland centre where people can access nature and
come into contact with wildife in the midst of a densely populated and urbanised
part of London. The project will focus on improvements to (i) biodiversity and
wildlife habitats, (ii) connectivity and public access and (iii) animating the
landscape through facilities that attract public participation. Education is one
of the key pillars of the project offering the opportunity to learn about nature
conservation, sustainability, water quality and supply and the rich industrial
heritage of the area.
The project includes:
* Restoration of the disused Marine Engine House (possibly the Coppermill), to house a 'Water and Life'
visitor interpretation centre and educational resource, café and amenities;
associated outdoor space for learning and interpretation which allows close
contact with nature and habitats.
* Improved public access into and legible routes through the landscape,
especially improved east/west links to reconnect the reservoir site with
surrounding urban communities; improved links to the Olympic Park to the south
and the adjoining parks, marshes, nature reserves and waterways to create a
single, holistic landscape that offers a series of complementary and contrasting
experiences for the visitor.
* Environmental enhancements and restored and improved biodiversity and
wildlife habitats.
* A culture of engagement in the process of project delivery through
educational programmes, heritage walks, encouraging volunteering, and an annual
river festival.
Whilst the reservoirs form the core of Walthamstow Wetlands, the adjoining
waterways, marshlands and formal parks of the Lee Valley Regional Park form an
integral part of our vision to create a holistic and integrated landscape
experience. The project will result in a reinstatement of connectivity and flow
between these spaces, and create legible connections with the Olympic Park,
creating an exceptional landscape asset, which sits at the heart of the Lee
Valley Regional Park.
In addition, the surrounding waterways offer the opportunity to create areas of
waterfront animation at Springfield Marina, Tottenaham Lock and Stonebridge
Lock, through cafes, boating, canoeing and amenities/facilities that attract
public participation and activity.
Walthamstow Wetlands remains an industrial landscape. This part of the Lee
Valley offers a glimpse into the role the Lee Valley has played as the power
house of industrial innovation and in the supply of energy, water and goods to
support the growth of London. Peppered throughout the site are a number of
historic buildings and heritage features associated with water supply and
filtration which will be profiled. The project will also create links with
nearby heritage sites, including the Pump House Museum, Beam Engine House and
Waterworks Centre and Middlesex Filter Beds. These sites have benefited from
support from Heritage Lottery Funding and in the case of the Pump House, support
through Section 106 and peppercorn rent arrangements with LBWF. Walthamstow
Wetlands will result in increased footfall for heritage sites, through improved
pedestrian links and co-ordinated marketing and promotion.
Who Will Deliver
A partnership of the following agencies has been formed to deliver the project,
with LB Waltham Forest providing the lead and coordination role.
ThamesWater
Lee Valley Regional ParkAuthority
Natural England
Environment Agency
English Heritage
British Waterways
LB Haringey
LB Hackney
Design for London/GLA
As well as public sector agencies joining forces in the delivery of the project,
the partnership will seek private sector investment and the support of the wider
community, encompassing 'Big Society' principles.
Immediate Actions: The project is likely to take 5-10 years to deliver. Whilst
funding is being sought, partners are keen to implement some early actions such
as opening up the site as part of Open House in September, introducing
interpretational signage and waymarking and promotional activity. A bid to
Heritage Lottery funding is being developed.
Key publications:
Lea Bridge RoadPlanning Framework, Urban Practitioners, October 2009
Upper Lea ValleyLandscape Strategy, Witherford Watson Mann Architects, Feb 2010
Walthamstow Reservoirs Feasibility Study, Chris Blandford and Associates, April
2010
DraftUpper Lea Valley Opportunity Area Planning Framework, Greater London
Authority, Jan 2011
See also press coverage. |
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