First Published: Friday 09 May 2008, 21:48
The Government has announced a new package of investment in housing, jobs, infrastructure, community facilities and green spaces in London's East End which ministers say will transform the lives of local residents.
Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint said she was "delighted to approve the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation's action plan" which is expected to create almost 8,000 jobs and 8,200 new homes.
The transformation project is being led by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and will focus on eight key areas; Canning Town, Lea River Park, Olympic Arc, Bromley-by-Bow, and the London Riverside areas of Barking Town, London Riverside Parklands, South Dagenham and Rainham Village.
Ms Flint said the Government "want to see real change in these parts of East London".
"Throughout the London Thames Gateway a lot has been achieved but now we need to see a gear change. Today's plan is part of a comprehensive programme which will bring a real acceleration in momentum to maximise the opportunities the Gateway brings."
London Thames Gateway Development Corporation Chairman Lorraine Baldry said the investment "demonstrates our continued commitment, and that of Government, to make significant changes to the quality of life in east London."
"Regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley and London Riverside means more than just building houses. Our plan for the next three years is to drive forward schemes which will create a sense of place and belonging for local people and an environment that attracts new residents and businesses to settle."
Expected benefits for each of the investment areas include:
Canning Town
3,900 new homes
2,150 new jobs
New town centre and public squares
Improved pedestrian connections to transport interchanges
Olympic Arc
3,100 new homes in Stratford Centre and Hackney Wick
2,800 new jobs in Stratford Centre and Hackney Wick
Major refurbishment of Stratford Shopping Centre
High profile education campus in Stratford
Reconfigured traffic system at Stratford Gyratory
Bromley-by Bow and Leaside
3,840 new homes
31,000 sq m commercial space and 925 new jobs
New community facilities including a primary school
New road junction
Lea River Park
Creation of a continuous route from the Olympic Park to River Thames with two new major parkland destinations
Barking Town
6,300 new homes planned in Barking Town Centre
5,000 new homes at Barking Riverside
13km improved dedicated bus route
Development of a cultural hub
New transport interchange
London Riverside Parklands
132,500 sq m green space
1.5 km new pedestrian and cycle routes
Wildspace which will be a flagship green space for the Thames Gateway
South Dagenham
90,000 sq m commercial space
2,050 new jobs
1,250 new homes
New primary school
25,000 sq m green or open space
Rainham Village
3,200 homes in Rainham Village centre
New library and lifelong learning centre
Improved transport interchange
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