Public to be given access to 'forgotten' river

A new path will connect Ilford Town Centre to the River Roding

A £3m regeneration scheme in Ilford will reopen access to the "almost forgotten" River Roding, developers say.

The Ilford Arrival includes a new bridge, pocket park, riverside walk and the rewilding of a local golf course, which the Mayor of London's office hopes will open up long-neglected public access to the River Roding.

Funding was granted by the mayor last August through the £12m investment scheme the Greater London Authority's Civic Partnership Programme (CPP).

The CPP targets suffering areas to "combat long-standing inequalities that have been exacerbated by Covid-19, the cost-of-living crisis and the climate emergency".

Daniel Rea, founding director of Periscope which is designing the Arrival, said: "Redbridge is one of London's greenest boroughs and Ilford is blessed with the River Roding and the Roding Valley.

"But, as it stands, what should be a public amenity is almost forgotten."

The latest stage of development has involved consulting with a group of girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 25.

Mr Rea added: "At a time of housing need and with enormous pressure to build, it's crucial that local people are empowered to shape their own neighbourhoods.

"Too often regeneration is something that is done to communities, rather than with them. This approach gives them real agency."

Participants have met several times since April to discuss economics and perceptions of the town centre.

Diverse Dialogues has been appointed to lead the team made up of girls and young women, having put together a similar group during the development of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Founding director Kuljeet Sibia said she wanted to avoid demographics being marginalised by "not just listening to communities but working alongside them and ensuring they are informed decision-makers in shaping the future of their neighbourhood".