Thames Strategy London East
Area description
The Thames Strategy East covers the stretch of the river from Tower Bridge to Gravesend, encompassing a number of different councils, including Tower Hamlets, Lewisham, Newham, Greenwich, Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Havering, Dartford, Thurrock, and Gravesham.
The length of this stretch of the river is mirrored in the strategy’s diversity of character, which ranges from touristic and residential to industrial. This built environment and heritage is incredibly important since it mirrors the river’s character as a tidal ‘working’ river that contiously supports the city’s commercial activity. As we move downstream, the river gradually becomes wider and there is a lot more presence important natural features, such as inter-tidal mudflats and fresh-water marshes, which are crucial for to support and protect critical bird and fish populations. This area is also marked by its continuous development throughout the years and future planned development for the area. These improvements have created an ever-changing riverside that must also be protected and must take into consideration the consequences of climate change.
This strategy is being developed by the Thames Estuary Partnership (TEP). The original strategy was created and published in 2008.
The original strategy provided the foundation for the work TEP is putting forward in this stretch of the river. Mainly, it was divided into 9 reaches, each of which mirroring the different complexities of this large section of the Thames, which were then paired with a series of Strategic Guidance statements to steer developers, communities and councils in interacting with the river.
About the work
The original strategy put forward a vision to achieve:
‘A world class river where the diverse social, economic, cultural and environmental legacy is recognised through:
Conserving and enhancing the natural assets of the area and making a possible contribution to its character;
Balancing the competing demands placed on the river – the region’s greatest physical asset;
Creating vibrant, sustainable communities alongside the Thames that include and benefit new and existing residents;
Creating a high quality, multi-functional, well-connected network of river-related spaces and places that are accessible to all, and are managed and maintained to the highest standards for people and wildlife; and
Promoting the use of the river as an artery for public, commercial, industrial, leisure and recreational transport and use.’
The recommendations made in the strategy will be updated through Landscape Character Assessments that will be undertaken in this area. This work has also been developed with the assistance of the riparian councils - through the Thames Strategy East Steering Group, and community groups – through dedicated engagement events. It is crucial for the TEP to engage the groups who live and breathe the river Thames. It is essential for us to keep the people who know the river better than anyone at the core of our project so we can accurately reflect their needs and concerns.
For a more in-depth look into the original Thames Strategy East document, please see below.
Please check the ‘News and Updates’ section for any upcoming opportunities to engage or drop us an email if you would like to get involved!
