London Planning Awards
20 Jan: Walthamstow Wetlands wins the prestigious London Planning Awards, under 'Best Conceptual Project' catagory. When giving out the award, Mayor Boris Johnson referred to the project as, "London's best kept secret".
Ecological oasis in London
Waltham Forest Council in partnership with Thames Water is developing a project which will result in the opening up of Walthamstow Reservoirs to wider public access. A partnership has been formed to deliver the project which includes the neighbouring Boroughs of Hackney and Haringey and several agencies including Natural England, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Environment Agency and British Waterways.
» View the Walthamstow Wetlands - Boundary map and context (971KB PDF file)
» View the Walthamstow Reservoirs Feasibility Study - April 2010 (4.7MB PDF file)
» View the Upper Lee Valley Landscape Strategy - Part One - February 2010 (12MB PDF file)
View the Upper Lee Valley Landscape Strategy - Part Two - February 2010 (11.4MB PDF file)
The project will see the 180 hectare site transformed into a distinctive urban nature reserve and wetland centre. Plans include:
- Improved public access
- Improved habitats, wildlife and heritage trails
- The restoration of the Marine Engine House to house a “Water and Life” visitor centre, educational resource and café overlooking views of the reservoirs
A brilliant resource
Walthamstow Wetlands will offer a brilliant resource for local communities, resulting in improved access to nature and leisure activities with beneficial impacts on health and well being and quality of life. The project should also lead to the emergence of a visitor economy and support physical regeneration plans in surrounding areas.
About Walthamstow Reservoirs
The 10 reservoirs that make up the site are an internationally and nationally recognised ecological resource and wildlife habitat. They constitute the largest fishery in London and are still used by Thames Water to supply the city with drinking water. As well as its nature conservation value, the site forms an important part of the industrial heritage of the Lee Valley.
What happens next
The Council is taking a lead role in making a bid to Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) to raise the money needed to deliver the project. Thames Water has demonstrated their strong commitment to the project by committing £1.5M towards the funding needed for the project. Round one of the heritage lottery funding bid has been submitted.
Contact
For further information contact 020 8496 3000 and ask for the Walthamstow Wetlands Coordinator or email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
