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River Lea - Golden Opportunity For East London's Waterways

British Waterways and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation are today launching a new plan for the future of the Lower Lea Valley using the catalyst of the Olympic Games and other major developments to support the growing waterway renaissance of East London.

The Lea Valley has a rich and varied history, with use of the River Lee for navigation and trade dating back to the Romans. At the height of its industrial powers thousands of tons of freight was moved on the river supporting and supplying the factories and industries that lined the river banks from its connection with the River Thames all the way into the Hertfordshire countryside.

The rise of the railway and then motorways and containerisation saw the death of the waterway freight industry, and the River Lee was no exception. The river succumbed to a rapid decline and suffered years of abuse and neglect.

As London’s second waterway the Lee has spent many years in the shadow of its more famous rival, the River Thames, but in 2012 the River Lee and its tributaries will take centre stage at the heart of the Olympic Park.

Mark Blackwell, British Waterways’ Enterprise Manager, said: “The Lower Lea Valley is made up of a number of very distinct areas, each with their own character. From the landmark historic buildings at Three Mills, Bromley-by-Bow to the open spaces of Hackney Marshes and the tidal waterfront of Leamouth, we have set out this plan to help developers, businesses and local authorities recognise the value of these character areas and to demonstrate the value of interacting with the water, animating and acknowledging the river.”

The new plan puts the waterways of the Lower Lea Valley at the heart of the ideas that will help shape the legacy of the Games and ensure the redevelopment of East London as a ‘water city’; creating a sense of place and focus for the waterways and helping to maintain the historic and cultural heritage of this unique area of London.

Lance Forman, CEO, H. Forman & Son, East London’s famous smoked salmon factory, explains: “Too often in the history of this area developers have been allowed to turn their back on the water and use it as a barrier or at worst a dumping ground. When designing our new facility on the banks of the River Lee Navigation at Old Ford Locks on Fish Island, directly facing the Olympic stadium, we made a conscious decision to involve and participate with the water. It’s an extension of our restaurant, events space and new art gallery, and the natural activity of the waterway adds interest and vibrancy to our location.

“The Lower Lea Valley is an area rich in character, and this strategy provides guidance to all types of business to help them navigate the journey of development in such an interesting and diverse location. We look forward to working with British Waterways to continue to make the most of the natural benefits of the waterways during the Olympics and in its legacy.”

The strategy, much like a visual business plan is focussed on encouraging rejuvenation of the Lower Lea Valley rather than setting out detailed planning policy.

Harald Muller, Business Development Manager for Inter-IKEA, that says the following - “Our Strand East development is on a 10 hectare site, bordered on two sides by the Three Mills Wall River and the River Lea waterways. The character provided by the revitalised waterways and the listed Mills afford us an opportunity to deliver something very special for the area.

"It is refreshing to be able to develop plans that will enable the water to become a key feature and help to define a sense of place. Our aspiration for Strand East is to create a community that interacts with the water, whether through moorings for leisure boats, waterfront homes and vibrant public spaces.”

As one of the UK’s largest regeneration areas it’s key that the connecting theme throughout the area, the water, is used to contribute to creating and delivering services, facilities, housing and jobs, reflecting the dynamic approach to use of the waterways in cities such as Amsterdam, Venice and Copenhagen.

John Middleton, Head of Economic Development, London Thames Gateway Development Corporation said: “The River Lee is the spine of east London and this strategy supports our desire to stimulate additional development activity to drive and sustain a waterside renaissance. Improved access and linkages combined with a mixture of businesses, housing, industry and other amenities are all coming together to enable a successful transition of the area whilst recognising its unique character and waterway heritage.”

The strategy has been developed by Peter Brett Associates and LDA Design for British Waterways and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. Input into the strategy was given from regional and national agencies, including the Olympic Park Legacy Company, as well as businesses and developers such as Westfield Shoppingtowns Limited and Southern Housing.