Unlocking the potential of London's canals and rivers - Our Prospectus to support good growth, prosperity and wellbeing
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Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers Our Prospectus to support good growth, prosperity and wellbeing
Foreword
London’s canal network developed over 200 years ago to link to As a Trust we are excited by the challenge
the capital’s river navigations and provide a route for transporting
goods from the Midlands and the North to markets in London and
of getting our disparate communities and
beyond, creating industry and supporting the city’s development partners to recognise and appreciate the
and prosperity. tremendous benefits associated with their
Today, our waterways continue to make an important contribution local canals and rivers.… making life better
to life in the city, albeit very different from their original role.
Their role is now as life-enhancing blue-green corridors offering by water.
an escape from the busy city streets, for health, exercise, and
community cohesion. They make a vital contribution to the From historic canals to tidal rivers, within London we have
wellbeing of London society by creating places where people waterways that run through stunning open countryside
want to live and work, and routes that they can use – for leisure as well as densely populated urban areas.
and commerce. Across the Capital’s waterway network we have almost
They connect people to places and offer a network of routes for 1.3m people living within one kilometre of our waterways.
getting around the city away from the traffic or the heavily-used We have a fantastic opportunity to engage these people
public transport system. They are inclusive and accessible places with the waterway network but we will only be able to do
for people to discover and enjoy, for leisure and relaxation, this by developing a deep appreciation and knowledge of
to connect with heritage, culture and nature. They provide a the communities within our region.
resource that supports learning and the development of skills. To do this we need to ensure that our partnerships with local
We believe they have an important role to play in supporting community groups, politicians and businesses are strong and
the Mayor’s aspirations and the local plans of all of London’s proactive in nature to ensure we are able to fashion bespoke
diverse communities, to be an agent for solutions to maximise the opportunities
“Good Growth” and wellbeing in London. that London’s waterway network can
undoubtedly help deliver.
This report sets out in more detail
how the Canal & River Trust can play its Together with our partners we can utilise
part in supporting that important goal. the waterway network to create a more
prosperous, cohesive and greener London.
Sir William Atkinson
Allan Leighton Regional Advisory Board Chair
Chair, Canal & River Trust Canal & River Trust
2 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 3
ays at th
London’s waterways: on’s w
aterw eh
ea
rt
Contributing to Good Growth d City Life
n
of
Lo
:
Neighbourhood
5 Life
4
2 3 6
Waterways as part of ‘City Life’,
Your Life
1
‘Neighbourhood Life’ and ‘Your Life’
People of
7 London
Places of
London
Capital
Melting Pot
1 Extending Healthy Streets:
Delivering the Grand Union
5 Enabling Healthier
Communities:
Canal Quietway. Meridian Water.
2. Delivering
1. Extending Strategic
See pages 14 to 17 See pages 40 to 41
Healthy Regeneration
Streets Opportunities
2 Delivering Strategic
Regeneration Opportunities:
6 Supporting Good
Growth Locally:
8. Supporting 3. Cultural
Old Oak & Park Royal. QE Olympic Park.
Clean & Assets:
Renewable a City for all See pages 36 to 37 See pages 42 to 43
Energy London’s Londoners
waterways
contributing to 3 Cultural Assets – a City
for all Londoners: 7 Providing Housing Choice:
Docklands – multi-functional
7. Providing Good Growth 4. Supporting Regent’s 200. spaces.
Housing Green See pages 44 to 45 See pages 38 to 39
Choice Innovations
6. Supporting 5. Enabling 4 Supporting Green
Innovations:
8 Supporting Clean &
Renewable Energy:
Good Growth Healthier
Locally Communities
Potential for waterborne Heating & Cooling buildings;
Na freight linked to Crossrail2. Urban cooling.
tio See pages 20 to 21 See page 26
na
l Pa
rk Ci
ty
4 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 5
The Trust’s canals, rivers Major new opportunities to
create high quality waterway
and docks in London today neighbourhoods exist across east,
west and central London. This
includes sites in the early planning
stages such as Old Oak & Park
London’s 100km of canals and rivers owned Royal and Meridian Water and
in places like London Docklands,
and managed by the Trust already make the Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park, Hayes and Tottenham Hale
a vital contribution to the wellbeing of the where new developments will
build on the regeneration that has
city, its neighbourhoods and its people. already happened. If appropriately
planned, designed and funded,
new developments can improve
waterway environments and
The Trust’s waterways can support the • The Paddington Basin opportunities for people to
Mayor’s aspirations for Good Growth, redevelopment that has enjoy them.
the vision for Healthy Streets and the overcome the challenges posed As well as providing excellent
concept of the National Park City. by three generations of major opportunities for relaxation, leisure
They connect centres of population, transport infrastructure to bring and active travel, our waterways and
jobs, shops, culture and green and a new economic centre to this towpaths are increasingly taking on
blue space, whilst helping the city to part of London; new roles in London’s sustainable
meet its needs more sustainably. growth. They’re contributing to the
• The Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Many parts of the canal and river Park that knitted the waterways city’s green future by saving the
network are alive with powered and into London’s hugely successful energy for cooling buildings and
unpowered boats, and a variety of Olympic and Paralympic Games a means of managing the flow of
towpath users. and legacy plans that continue surface water; our towpaths in
to see the waterways as particular are supporting health and
Reflecting their historic origins, wellbeing, access to culture and a
vital parts of a sustainable
canals flow through some of the better understanding of heritage;
regeneration of this substantial
more deprived parts of London. and, through the Trust’s education,
area of East London.
This provides significant scope volunteering and adoptions
for the canals to act as a catalyst • The multi-award winning Brentford programmes, they’re helping
for imaginative developments to Lock West by Waterside Places, communities to come together and
enhance the lives of those living a joint venture between the individuals to develop new skills.
and working locally. Trust and Muse, which has begun
to bring new life to the canalside The Trust wants its vision of living
Regeneration of the waterways and waterways that transform places
by regenerating former
waterside spaces in London has and enrich lives to be shared by
industrial land.
been delivering high quality places communities, local, regional and
for many years. Amongst many • The regeneration of Tottenham national government, businesses
others, these include: Hale, including the multi-award and other charities and believes that
winning, mixed use development together we can build a policy and
• The King’s Cross redevelopment,
at Hale Village to the west of the delivery framework to achieve it.
with the amphitheatre terrace at
Lee Navigation.
Granary Square that encourages
people to engage with the activity
of the Regent’s Canal;
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
6 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers along the Lee Navigation 7
London’s waterway neighbourhoods – existing & proposed
London’s waterway neighbourhoods – Camden Open Day, Regent’s Canal
existing & proposed
Over 1.2 million Londoners live within 1km
of one of the Trust’s 100km of waterways
in the city (15% of the city’s population).
Our waterways form an important For many users, our waterways
part of 16 boroughs north of the provide a wonderful, free-at-the-
Thames and the two Mayoral point-of-use asset.1 However, just
Development Corporations. maintaining them comes at a cost
for the Trust. In 2018/19, our London
Canal & River Trust waterways are
Waterway team spent approximately
within or adjacent to many of the
£3.5m, with a further approximately
London Plan’s Opportunity Areas
£2m being spent on more major
and the Mayor’s Housing Zones.
engineering schemes in London
As planned, these sites alone amount
and the South East, such as lock
to approximately 125,000 new homes
gate replacements.
and 250,000 jobs, with Old Oak Park
Royal and Meridian Water planning
for 40,000 new homes and 75,000
jobs between them.
1
he Trust is not able to offer free
T
public access to the waterways
for all users or at all times
London Boroughs containing
Trust waterways grouped as
per London Councils definition:
West
Central
East
Trust Waterways
River Thames
8 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 9
London’s waterway neighbourhoods – existing & proposed
Canal & River Trust waterways are within As planned, these sites alone amount to approximately2
or adjacent to many of the London Plan’s 125,000 and 250,000
Opportunity Areas and the Mayor’s new homes jobs
Housing Zones. 2
omes and jobs figures are based on documents issued by the
H
Mayor of London prior to the publication of the Draft London Plan
(2018), which contains figures yet to be adopted.
Ponders End
700 jobs
1,100 homes
Cricklewood/ Brent Cross
20,000 jobs
10,000 homes City Fringe/ Tech City
53,000 jobs
15,000 homes Meridian Water
6,700 jobs
10,000 homes
King’s Cross/
St. Pancras Tottenham Hale
25,000 jobs 4,000 jobs
1,900 homes 5,000 homes
Lower Lee Valley
50,000 jobs
32,000 homes
Alperton
Housing Zone Royal Docks & Beckton
40,000 jobs
3,200 homes 15,000 homes
London Legacy Area
50,000 jobs
24,000 homes
Southall
3,000 jobs
6,000 homes
Hayes Poplar Riverside
Housing Zone Housing Zone
6,400 homes
2,800 homes
Old Oak & Park Royal Euston
65,000 jobs 14,100 jobs Isle of Dogs/ Docklands
25,500 homes 3,800 homes 110,000 jobs
30,000 homes
Kensal Canalside Paddington/
2,000 jobs
3,000 homes Edgware Housing Zone Opportunity Areas and Housing
5,000 jobs
1,000 homes Zones on London’s waterways as
per Greater London Area
Opportunity Area
Housing Zone
Selected canalside opportunity,
see pages 36-44
Trust Waterways
River Thames
© Crown copyright and database rights, 2019,
Ordnance Survey 100030994. Aerial: Esri, Digital
Globe, Earthstar
10 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 11
Waterways & wellbeing
Waterways & wellbeing There is significant potential for waterways to
contribute to personal, community and societal
wellbeing, consistent with the Mayor’s plans for Good
Growth, Healthy Streets and the National Park City.
CITY LIFE NEIGHBOURHOOD YOUR
LIFE LIFE
Health, Wellbeing & Happiness
Connecting People & Places & Cutting Congestion
On-Water Neighbourhoods
Engaged People & Cohesive Communities
Air Quality
Moving Freight by Water Helping To Meet London’s Utility Needs
Water Supply & Drainage
Creating a Smart City High Quality Placemaking
Supporting Businesses & Job Creation
Great Attractions & Places for Recreation
Connecting Habitats & Providing People Access to Nature Linked to the Trust’s Outcome
Measurement Framework, 2017:
Arts & Cultural Assets Health, Wellbeing & Happiness
Engaged People & Cohesive Communities
Green & Blue Futures
Learning & Enhancing Skills
Prosperous & Connected Places
Cultural & Environmental Assets
Learning & Enhancing Skills
12 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 13
Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of city life
Supporting the National Park City, Figure 1: Reasons why Active travel 33%
people visit the Trust’s
great attractions and places for recreation waterways at Tottenham
Hale (June 2017)
Fresh air/pleasant weather
To walk a dog 15%
17%
For health/exercise 15%
Flowing from the north-east and north-west Time with family/friends 11%
of the city and converging in east and central
To entertain child/children 2%
To enjoy nature/wildlife 10%
London, the Trust’s waterways provide a free Relaxation/escaping everyday pressures 14%
and inclusive space for a wide range of leisure For a day out
For quality time for oneself
1%
5%
pursuits and recreation. To experience history/heritage 2%
To visit pub/restaurant 1%
Other 11%
These include walking and cycling The Trust promotes our waterways
on our towpaths and a variety of as London’s greatest park. When
on-water activities. Whilst they’re combined our canals, rivers and
alive with activities, especially in more docks – along with their towpaths
central areas, our waterways offer a and docksides – cover an area more Waltham Abbey
space where Londoners and visitors than twice the size of Hyde Park. Rickmansworth
Aquadrome
Lee Valley
Athletics Centre
can get away from the hustle and Camden
A key part of what makes the
bustle of city life. Lock & Market
waterway network such an attractive Hillingdon Outdoor Regents Park Walthamstow
Wetlands
A great attraction in their own right, place to visit is the diversity of the Activities Centre
Lords Cricket
Victoria Park
our waterways also stitch together activities that take place on and Denham Country
Ground
King’s
Queen Elizabeth
some of London’s other great cultural alongside the waterways. It’s a place Park & Colne Valley Little Venice Cross
Olympic Park
visitors centre
and leisure attractions, such as that’s alive with uses on land and
Regent’s Park, London Zoo, Queen water; a place where visitors can Three Mills
Elizabeth Olympic Park, Victoria Park, experience great architecture and Kensal Green
& St Mary’s
Little Venice, and the Colne Valley design; a place that supports the Hanwell Cemetaries Museum of
and Lee Valley regional parks. Annual natural environment, wildlife and Lock Flight
Syon House
Hyde Park
London Canal
London Docklands
visitors to these attractions are in the nature and the city’s greener future; & Park
Museum
Sherlock Holmes
tens of millions, with Camden Market a place where people can connect to Kew Museum &
The British Library
alone reporting annual visitors of culture and heritage; a space that’s Gardens Madame Tussauds ZSL London Zoo
28 million per annum. The waterways well looked after by the people that
form an important part of the charm use it; and a space that’s accessible
of these places and provide an for all Londoners. London’s greatest
attractive route for Londoners and park should be one that both speaks Selection of visitor destinations
along Trust waterways in London
visitors to move between them to the history of the city and reflects
on foot, bicycle or on the water. its dynamism. 12 minute walking distance
Green Space
They are a key component of Lee Valley Regional Park
the National Park City. Colne Valley Regional Park
© Crown copyright and database rights, 2019,
Ordnance Survey 100030994.
14 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 15
Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of city life
Connecting people and
places and cutting congestion
The Trust’s waterways in London provide
attractive places for pedestrians and
considerate cyclists, whether they are
commuting or engaging in recreation.
Regent’s Canal
They can provide high quality routes, transport. In a towpath survey carried
and associated benefits, in the same out for the Trust at Tottenham Hale
way that the Mayor is hoping to (June 2017), of those people that were
achieve with his Healthy Streets using the towpath for commuting,
initiative. There are great opportunities 25% would have driven, 25% would
to help meet the Mayor’s aspirations have travelled by bus and a further
for increasing walking and cycling 18% would have travelled by train/tube
by improving towpaths and their had the towpath not been available. Meridian Water
connectivity because they offer the
6,700 jobs
10,000 homes
The Trust is working with Transport
types of routes that people want.
for London and boroughs to deliver
• Research carried out for the Trust a Quietway along the Grand Union
found that 50% of people agree Canal between Paddington and West London Legacy Area
that they will go out of their way Drayton. There are opportunities
50,000 jobs
24,000 homes
to find a quieter/greener area to to work in partnership to deliver a
escape the hustle and bustle of similarly high quality and beneficial
main roads. scheme elsewhere.
• Over half (51%) said that they A River Lee Quietway in East Old Oak & Park Royal
65,000 jobs
25,500 homes
Isle of Dogs/ Docklands
110,000 jobs
instantly felt more relaxed when London, for example, would provide 30,000 homes
going from a busy area to the a strategic route linking several
countryside or a green space. boroughs, building upon previous
investments and helping to deliver
• A study commissioned by TfL
new growth in London.
(Steer Davies Gleave – 2012 Cycle Connecting along the water
Route Choice) highlighted that The Trust has adopted a national policy in the Greater London Area
50% of commuters and 62% of for shared use of towpaths – ‘Better Rail:
44no. Tube and surface rail stations
leisure cyclists would change their Towpaths for Everyone’. Our ‘Share within 500m of a canal
Crossrail route and stations
Proposed Crossrail 2 route and stations
route to use parks/green spaces. the Space, Drop your Pace’ campaign Cycling:
promotes the towpath code and is a 479km cycle routes in the GLA
In London, walking and cycling on 118km (25%) is Trust multi-use towpath
vital part of our efforts to ensure that 36km is integrated in Quietways 2
the Trust’s towpaths can reduce
they are places enjoyed by everyone. Selected canalside opportunity,
congestion on the roads and on public see pages 36-44
© Crown copyright and database rights, 2019, Ordnance
Survey 100030994. Transport for London Open Data.
16 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 17
Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of city life
Air quality Helping to meet London’s utilities needs
The role that our waterways and towpaths London’s water & Creating a
play in helping people get around the city, drainage needs Smart City
as well as the use of the waterways to provide
Our waterways can play a strategic Digital and telecommunication
a sustainable energy resource, means that they role in alleviating water stress in technologies strengthen
London, delivering resilience and communities, improve economic
are helping London to tackle one of its great affordability to millions of customers. growth, enhance services and
environmental challenges – poor air quality. The Trust has been engaging with
water companies about utilising our
reduce energy consumption and
environmental emissions.
waterways to transfer water from
Telecommunications companies,
areas with excess to areas of need,
The Trust supports the Mayor’s aim Electric charging points are also being including Sky Networks, Vodafone,
such as through a north-west to
of reducing Londoners’ exposure installed on the towpath in Brentford, Virgin, BT and Tata Communications
south-east transfer. It is likely that
to dangerous pollutants and our as a result of our partnership with already utilise the towpath corridors
both Thames Water and Affinity
waterways and towpaths already developers. We are working towards along our waterways within London
Water will have canal water resource
contribute to this. Our evidence all permanent residential moorings – with the potential to accommodate
schemes within their final Water
shows that emissions from boats on owned and managed by the Trust in even more.
Resource Management Plans. This
the Trust’s network only account for London having electricity points. is on top of the existing water There is a real opportunity to
around 0.01% of city-wide emissions. transfer the Trust manages, which maximise existing towpath networks
We are beginning discussions with
However, the Trust is working to help already supplies 25% of London’s and provide the opportunity for new
British Marine3 about how we can
boaters on our network to reduce water from the Lee Navigation. and improved infrastructure around
work with boat and solid fuel stove
emissions and the potential impact on densely populated areas, such as the
manufacturers to ensure that a new The Trust’s network could also play
their health and on local communities. routing of infrastructure for district
generation of inland waterway boat a greater role in helping to meet
Our London Mooring Strategy engines and boat stoves incorporate heating schemes and increasing
local water needs, particularly needs
includes the development of an improved environmental standards. mobile density to create 5G towns
that can be met through the use of
Eco Mooring Zone on the Regent’s We want the Government’s proposed and cities.
grey water.
Canal in Islington, in partnership with technology fund to be made available There is also the potential to utilise our
the London Borough of Islington to the Trust and the marine sector to Surface water runoff in London
land holdings for utility infrastructure
Council and funding from Defra. research and test such innovations. is commonly, sustainably drained
such as telephone masts.
This will include installing electric into the Trust’s waterways, subject
charging points on visitor moorings to our agreement, thus reducing
in the borough so boaters have an the pressure on mains drainage
alternative to running engines to infrastructure and helping to
charge on-board batteries. manage flood risk. Particularly in
the case of major regeneration
areas, our waterways could be
3
ritish Marine is the trade association for the
B part of the strategic sustainable
UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial urban drainage network.
marine industry.
18 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 19Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of city life
Moving freight by water
Transporting construction materials and
demolition waste by water could help to
take HGVs off the roads, thereby reducing
congestion and potentially improving
road safety.
Although freight vessels are no Despite policy support, it remains
Three Mills Lock
longer the main users of the Trust’s relatively rare for new developments
waterways in London, the River Lee to make use of waterways to
Navigation between Bow Creek transport freight during construction
and the M25 remains classified as or once they’re operating. There
a commercial waterway. Freight remains untapped potential.
vessels are also welcome users on
In the past, boroughs have given
non-commercial waterways where
consideration to whether the
they can operate within the current
household waste from waterside
policies and arrangements for TOTTENHAM
developments could be transported
operation and maintenance and North to:
by barge to waterside energy from Enfield &
other uses. Waltham
waste plants. Waste from such plants Cross
If Crossrail 2 were to be given the could also be transported away from
green light to proceed, the current these sites by barge. We remain Tottenham Hale
Interchange between the
Lee Navigation and the
plans would see the northern tunnel keen to explore such opportunities Crossrail 2
Tunnel Portal tidal River Lee & River Thames
portal located close to the River Lee with partners. South to:
at Bow Locks
Navigation at Tottenham. There is the The
Thames
very real possibility for the navigation & beyond
to be utilised in its construction,
with improvements to the waterway
infrastucture leaving a great legacy
and further opportunities to support
Good Growth in the Lee Valley.
Tottenham Hale
Freight Opportunity
Area of freight potential
Freight route
Crossrail 2 line
Interchange Point
© Crown copyright and database rights, 2019,
Ordnance Survey 100030994.
20 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 21Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of city life
Connecting habitats & providing
people with access to nature
On or adjacent to our London network of
waterways there are ten Sites of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSIs), a Special Protection
Area, a Ramsar Site and 85 non-statutory credit Jack Perks credit Jane Russell
wildlife sites.
European eels are being encouraged We work with partners on its
Chingford Reservoirs
back to the Grand Union Canal and management. Floating reedbeds
the Lee Navigation through our have been installed and trees and Walthamstow Reservoirs
- RAMSAR
construction of eel passes at Stoney scrub managed to encourage Old Park Wood - Special Protected Area
Sluice in Brentford, Lee Bridge Weir marshland around the edge of the
and Bow Locks. By improving these reservoir. Great Crested Grebe, Harefield Pit
to enable monitoring, we’re getting Pochard, Shoveler and Gadwall are
people closer to this fascinating, among the birds to both visit and Denham Lock Wood
endangered species. breed at the site. Brent Reservoir Walthamstow Marshes
Fray’s Farm Meadows
We continue to work to preserve Aquatic vegetation is important Mid Colne Valley
the environments on our waterway habitat for both aquatic and Syon Park
corridors and structures that terrestrial species, and helps improve
support bats, such as Daubenton’s water quality. Through planning
and Common Pipistrelle bats, who contributions, mooring pontoon
feed from the insects found in proposals and joint working with
these habitats. partners, we are gaining reed beds
as habitat enhancements, such as
Brent Reservoir is one of London’s
the reed/rush coir rolls installed in
hidden gems, with an internationally
the Lee Navigation within the Olympic
important residential and
Park. Our work helps support water
overwintering bird population.
voles along the River Lee and Stort,
and the Grand Union Canal.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
in the Greater London Area
SSSI areas adjacent to canals
Trust Waterways
River Thames
Lee Valley Regional Park
Colne Valley Regional Park
© Crown copyright and database rights, 2019,
22 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers Ordnance Survey 100030994.
23Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of neighbourhood life
Supporting regeneration through Brentford Phase 1
high quality placemaking
Waterways provide a strong sense of place
and connection. They help shape the way
people live their lives, how they think and
feel and their relationships with others in
their community.
A study published in the Royal They should be the starting point
Society Open Science journal for consideration and not be treated
(July 2017) “Using Deep Learning as just settings or backdrops for
to Quantify the Beauty of Outdoor development, but as spaces and
Places” by researchers at the leisure and commercial resources in
University of Warwick and the their own right. By optimising views
Alan Turing Institute highlighted of the water, developments can
the importance of waterways in generate natural surveillance of water
increasing the scenic value of space, and encourage and improve
outdoor spaces, especially in urban access to, along and from the water.
areas. The ‘canal natural’ feature was
Urban regeneration by the Trust, its
found to be the strongest positive
partners and other third parties over
predictor of scenic quality in built-up
the last decade or so in London has
urban areas and ‘rivers’ were ranked
delivered better used and valued
eighth of thirty-four factors identified.
waterway spaces. We want all local
Maintaining and improving the authorities and developers in close
contribution that waterways make proximity to waterway corridors
to the scenic and functional quality to be committed to delivering this
of a place as it develops and London for the benefit of their residents,
as a National Park City requires high users and workers as the substantial
quality design that considers the land regeneration alongside the Trust’s
and waterspaces together. The Trust waterways in London is planned and
and the Town & Country Planning delivered. Robust design policies and
Association (TCPA) have published masterplanning will be required.
guiding principles for planning and
designing developments near water.
Water spaces should be seen as an
integral part of a wider network and
part of the public realm.
24 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 25Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of neighbourhood life
Helping to meet London’s heating Supporting businesses
and cooling energy needs & job creation
Water from the Trust’s waterways can be used Bringing life to our waterways
for heating and cooling new developments. is at the heart of what we do.
The need to decarbonise heating with at its head office at Brentford. Areas in need of regeneration are For some businesses, waterways
low carbon solutions using heat pumps The scheme has reduced their often located close to waterways, provide an attractive amenity for
is a priority both nationally and in carbon dioxide emissions by linked to their former industrial use. their workforce, whilst for some,
our major cities. Our waterways have 920 tonnes per year and has Over the past 20 years, waterways such as floating businesses, they are
the potential to provide not only low significantly lowered it’s have been both the catalyst and the absolutely essential to their success.
carbon energy, which can be extracted energy bills. focus for an immense amount of
The Trust’s continued commitment
by water source heat pumps, but also regeneration and development.
• Two new residential to improving waterway environments
as an enabler for decentralised energy
developments, Dollar Bay and Some of London’s most popular and and access through good design and
networks. Currently in Docklands
Baltimore Wharf in Docklands successful business areas are located the provision of interactive spaces
we are working with a number of
are using the dock as a source alongside water, such as London along our waterways contributes
stakeholders to deliver a low carbon
of low carbon cooling. Docklands, Paddington and Park to the ability of private companies
energy solution.
Royal. Waterways are also supporting to prosper.
The urban heat island effect is a
The technology required to deliver more community-based SMEs and
feature of modern cities – the build-
cooling from canal and dock water is social enterprises in some of the
up of heat in densely developed
already successfully used in London: most dynamic areas of the city.
urban cores. Waterways can provide
• Glaxo Smith Kline are using water ‘blue lungs’ for residents and visitors
from the Grand Union Canal as alike, contributing to urban cooling
an alternative to air conditioning in hot summer months.
Component & equipment
manufacturer Docks
Steel boat fabricators Craft Waterway River navigations
Canal boat building Manufacturers Infrastucture Canals
Glass reinforced plastic Reservoirs
boat building MARINE
Non-powered craft
INDUSTRY
Marinas
Commercial waterside Service Boatyards
markets & local shops Providers Boat hire e.g.
Trade & trip boats canoes & pedalos
Other attractions e.g. Mooring providers
museums, parks Services needed for
Pubs, restaurants & cafes day-to-day cruising
26 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 27Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of neighbourhood life
On-water neighbourhoods
Living on the water has become an
increasingly popular choice in London.
There has been a significant growth We hope that the actions proposed
in the number of boats using the in the London Mooring Strategy
Trust’s waterways in London in will help to maintain or improve
the last decade (increasing from conditions for all waterway users,
around 2000 in 2010 to 5000 in such as access for other water-
2018), especially those continuously based activities including angling,
cruising the network. We estimate rowing, canoeing and paddle-
that more than half of the boats boarding and towpath users.
on our London waterways are now
The provision of new long-term Boating on the Lee Valley Navigation
used as a permanent home.
moorings can help to provide
The growth in the popularity of
additional housing choice. In certain
boating has brought many benefits.
locations, there may be opportunities
Part of our London Mooring to deliver other forms of floating
Strategy is to facilitate, where accommodation that can deliver Outputs from the London Mooring Strategy:
possible, additional long-term these same benefits and help to
offside moorings (including meet development needs. 1. Development of new long-term moorings to be supported and
residential moorings, where prioritised in quieter/less busy areas of the London waterways.
appropriate) on quieter parts 2. Encourage development of long-term moorings from a diverse
of our waterways in London,
range of providers.
which may require the support
of local authorities through the 3. Improve provision, maintenance and management of short-stay moorings.
planning process.
4. Develop custom short-stay moorings (such as pre-bookable) to
meet customer demand.
Figure 2: Growth in boat numbers on our waterways in London
5. Winter moorings that recognise and balance the needs of all customers’
5,000
Notes:
using the waterways.
4,000 - Figures rounded to 6. Better provision and management of boating facilities to meet
nearest 100 customer need.
3,000
- Includes boats in 7. Improve communication between boaters and the Trust.
some marinas, basins
2,000
and waterways 8. Increase business boating activity in key London waterway destinations.
connected to the
1,000 Trust’s network where 9. Support activities that ensure accessible and affordable access
a licence from the
0 Trust is not required to the water for all.
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
28 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 29Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of your life
Your health, wellbeing & happiness
Our waterways touch many aspects of
society and enhance the physical and
mental health of the population.
Research shows that any visit to a Improved access and greater
waterway is associated with higher promotion of our waterways could
levels of life satisfaction than for play an important role in improving
non-waterway users and visiting both mental and physical health,
regularly is associated with even especially in the communities
higher levels of life satisfaction. that are close to our waterways
Nationally, the total wellbeing value but are unaware of them. Physical
of visits to waterways is estimated improvements to towpaths and their
at £3.8bn per annum.4 access can help to achieve this, Waterways Festival
but so can cultural and community
From our towpath surveys in London,
engagement initiatives that help
the majority of users agree that
communities to see the waterways
access to our waterways encourages
as the inclusive and free resources GoodGym
them to do more exercise than they • GoodGym Ealing have been at
for many activities that they are.
otherwise would do. Over 90% of the Use of towpaths, wellbeing and active work on the Grand Union Canal
towpath users surveyed engage in We engage with GPs and community near Hanwell.
exercise that raises their heart rates participation all come together in a
groups to promote Healthy Walks and
within the boroughs that the surveys other events using our waterways to collaboration between GoodGym • GoodGym Harringey have helped
were undertaken (Westminster help people find ways to incorporate (a not-for-profit volunteer keep fit at volunteering events near
and Haringey). This figure was only exercise and enjoyment into their initiative) and the Trust in London: Tottenham and Stonebridge Locks
just over 50% amongst the general everyday lives. We want to do more • A team of runners from GoodGym on the Lee Navigation.
population.5 with partner organisations to identify
Brent are helping the Trust to • Two further GoodGyms are
and break down barriers that can
We know that users have a broad care for the Brent Feeder and the working consistently in central
prevent communities from benefitting
range of primary motivations Grand Union Canal near Harlesden, London and have spaces allocated
from our waterways.
for visiting our waterways, with through our adoption programme. to access their own tools.
activities based around relaxation We believe our waterways can make
and socialising being frequently a positive contribution to the
cited. Almost all respondents to our National Park City and deliver the 4 Simetrica “Assessing the wellbeing impacts
of waterways usage in England and Wales”
towpath surveys in London agree same benefits as Healthy Streets,
that the waterways are a good place including providing spaces for people 5 In the 2016 Sport England Active
to relax and de-stress. to relax, things for people to see People Survey.
and do and an escape from the
noise of motor vehicles.
30 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 31Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of your life
Arts & cultural assets Learning & enhancing skills
Events and installations provided by the We are working to inspire children and
Trust as part of our community engagement young people to consider engineering
programmes help to inspire positive as a profession, to equip them with the
memories of places and waterways. skills they need to thrive in the workplace
They also provide a further incentive and to help tackle the skills shortage
for people to engage in activities on the within UK engineering organisations.
waterways that can have wider benefits,
such as physical and mental health. Engineering is facing a skills shortage
and improving interest in STEM
• contribute to a skilled workforce;
• encourage greater diversity
subjects and careers is a vital part
within the workforce;
of tackling this. Research has shown
that engineering activities in schools • help develop confident and
Newton’s Cottage was make students view engineering more knowledgeable individuals.
a temporary, ambitious positively, with students taking part
In 2019, Aramco have agreed to fund
architectural artwork sited in these activities also being twice as
a three-year STEM programme for
at Carpenter’s Road Lock in likely to understand what engineering
secondary schools in London. We
the Queen Elizabeth Olympic careers mean.
will be able to recruit a dedicated
Park. The ‘cottage’ was an As an organisation, we employ many member of staff who, along with our
enlarged timber-frame edifice STEM professionals and nearly all STEM ambassadors and volunteers,
echoing the structure of the our work is STEM related. We are will deliver our programme within
old lock keeper’s house that therefore in a great position to deliver schools and, most importantly,
once stood at Carpenter’s a STEM learning programme focussed canalside where pupils will visit and
Road. A series of public on real life examples, engaging with meet our inspirational engineers.
events were curated at children and young people and for
There are great opportunities for
Newton’s Cottage to raise them to engage with waterways in
people of all ages to expand their
innovative and unique ways.
awareness of the significance knowledge and skills through visits to
of this historic site. Through our work with schools, we our waterways and by working with
want to: the Trust.
• bring real life practical examples
to the teaching profession;
• enable pupils to make better
informed career decisions;
Newton’s Cottage, Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park, Observatorium. Credit: Thierry Bal
32 33Waterways & wellbeing Waterways as part of your life
Engaged people & cohesive communities
Half of the people who live within 1km of our
waterways in London are Black, Asian or
from another minority ethnic group. Yet our
user surveys show this significant proportion
of local communities is under-represented School visit to the Grand Union Canal
amongst waterway and towpath users.
Spirit of Stonebridge Lower Regent’s Coalition
To deliver the greatest impact, usersAdoptions offer the opportunity The Trust has worked with local “Since we got a regular litter picking
of the waterways and towpaths for communities to help to shape business (the local Waterside Café), group going in 2013 it’s been a case
should more closely reflect the wide the waterway place that’s local and Action for Kids, the Lea Valley of ‘what else we can do to make our
diversity of the local communities important to them. The work of the Regional Park Authority and the stretch even better?’. We’ve been
around them. This will enable a Hanover School Association near Friends of Tottenham Marshes, successful in a number of funding
wider range of users to share in the City Road Lock in Islington is a great with funding from Tesco’s ‘Bags pitches, up to £20k in one case, from
benefits. It is vital that we actively
example. Through their adoption,
promote the waterways as inclusive of Help’ to transform the area the Mayor of London’s Greener
they have worked with the Trust to
spaces for all Londoners. There are design, fundraise, deliver and maintain around Stonebridge Lock and City Fund. These grants have allowed
a variety of ways that the Trust doesa school garden on a disused piece of Waterside Centre on the River us to build floating reed beds that
this both in London and nationally. land next to the towpath, in a borough Lee. An area that had become provide habitat for birds, fish and
with the lowest level of green space the subject of regular vandalism invertebrates. With more grant
Community engagement, volunteering and had the highest repair bills of
in England. London has seen the first funding we’ve able to create two
and local adoptions are key ways
canal ‘super-adoption’ in the country, any operational property on our 150m2 wildflower meadows on
that the Trust connects local people
with a coalition led by PoplarHARCA network is now a community hub, either side of the canal.”
with the waterways. In 2018/19 in
adopting the Limehouse Cut and with an edible garden and terrace.
our London and South East Region
already starting to deliver benefits. Molly Gadenz
volunteers worked for approximately A combination of the local boating
Today an estimated 38 miles of from the Lower Regent’s Coalition
74,000 hours to provide a huge
waterways owned by the Trust in our community, volunteer lock keepers who have adopted the stretch of
variety of skills and expertise to
London and South East Region have for the Trust, local groups and the
our waterways. the Regent’s Canal from Limehouse
been adopted. London Community Rehabilitation
Opportunities include caring for the Basin to Mile End
Company all now play a key role
waterway, welcoming and supporting in helping to ensure that the
its users and teaching younger improvements are sustainable
generations about it. and act as a catalyst for further
local enhancements.
34 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 35Waterways & wellbeing
Opportunities Waterways as part of neighbourhood life
Old Oak & Park Royal We have been working closely with
the OPDC on the Grand Union
There is also potential to:
• See the canal as part of the
Canal policy in its Local Plan and
strategic sustainable urban
supporting the preparation of
drainage system for Old Oak
The Grand Union Canal sits at the heart of more detailed studies into canal
enhancement opportunities. We
and Park Royal, which would
help to reduce the need to
the Old Oak and Park Royal Development want the canal environment and
the experience of canal users
undertake costly upgrades to
Corporation (OPDC) area in west London. to be key considerations in the
mains drainage infrastructure;
masterplanning of new communities • Use the canal to support heating
and infrastructure to ensure that and cooling needs as part of a
opportunities for the waterway to heat network;
There is a great opportunity to play a key role in the sustainable
create high quality waterway • Use the waterway to play a role
regeneration of the area are taken.
neighbourhoods as part of the in the movement of materials in
development of approximately the demolition and construction
27,000 new homes, 70,000 new Quietway & Canalside phases of development and
jobs, an HS2 station and new Waste
linear park potentially following completion.
London Overground stations. management site
OPDC proposed
The Development Corporation road bridges
shares the Trust’s view that the Canalside cluster:
canal corridor is a key opportunity Grand Union
for enhanced green/blue linkages, Square & Station
a key part of its sustainable future
and an important feature in the 06
A4 Mary Seacole
approach to placemaking. Facilitating Gardens
improved activity on the waterway Early Activation:
corridor through development runs Abbey Road
Early Activation: Quietway &
through the OPDC Draft Local Plan. Harlesden Canalside linear park
Delivering high quality standards Powerday wharf
of placemaking in combination with
long-term management plans will be
key to the success of the waterside
development within the OPDC area.
Old Oak & Park Royal
Improvements to the towpath and Opportunity Area6 Proposed Proposed foot
access points, including their station bridge
Old Oak North: Area of major
maintenance, will be needed but in canal-side regeneration
Birchwood
a way that it is consistent with the Proposed development Nature Reserve
Proposed HS2
Industrial intensification area
character of the waterway and the station and line
OPDC-recognized canalside
shared use nature of the towpath. heritage site
Opportunities for heating,
cooling, and SUD systems Opportunities for new
Area boundary on-water uses throughout Early Activation:
6 Information and plans are based on the © Crown copyright and database rights, 2019,
Old Oak and Park Royal Old Oak Lane
OPDC’s Draft Local Plan Ordnance Survey 100030994.
A40
36 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 37Waterways & wellbeing
Opportunities Waterways as part of neighbourhood life
Docklands
Bu
rde
Much of the land around the docks on the
tt R
A102
oad
Isle of Dogs is now vibrant, bustling with New Crossrail Station
activity. However, large areas of the docks North Dock
Barge Village
Residential
themselves remain underused areas of Restaurant, retail,
public amenity and
leisure uses
ck Road Poplar Dock
East India Do
open water that do little to evoke the area’s Marina
Residential
heritage as a place where the on-water Aspe
n Way
and dock-side activities went hand-in-hand.
Bla
kw
c
all
Tu
nn
el
Encouraging a range of uses within New floating uses within the docks South Dock
Deep water
waterspaces is an important part of can help to bring new economic Moorings
creating thriving waterway places and cultural opportunities for the
that can add to the diversity and residents, workers and visitors to Wood Wharf
Commercial,
vibrancy of the area. As the Isle Docklands. They can also help to Leisure
of Dogs continues to deliver the meet the borough’s development
substantial levels of growth that needs and provide accommodation Millwall Inner Dock
London Borough of Tower Hamlets choice, whilst improving natural Leisure, Commerical,
Residential & Public
and the Mayor have planned, it will surveillance and enhancing local Amenity
be important to ensure that new character. The large expanses of
waterside development complements water, relative to the canal network, Millwall Outer Dock
existing important mooring locations provide the opportunity for more Watersports Area
Residential & Leisure
for boats, such as the southern innovative on-water uses to be
side of South Dock, and that new delivered that allow residents,
opportunities to encourage on-water workers and visitors greater
W
es
uses are taken. fe
opportunities to engage with the rry
t
waterspaces, whilst also providing Ro
The impact of further tall buildings ad
environmental benefits, such as
on waterspaces – particularly on
improved habitat.
the microclimate, navigability and
biodiversity – needs to be carefully
considered as part of masterplanning.
It should take both land and water London Docklands Opportunity Area
Dock Areas:
into account and how the docks Mixed use
Opportunities for Heating & Cooling
Proposed development
can be used to support heating Leisure Transit Stations
and cooling networks for the many Commercial Cycle Routes
surrounding developments. Residential Tower Hamlets Borough
© Crown copyright and database rights, 2019, Ordnance Survey 100030994.
38 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 39Waterways & wellbeing
Opportunities Waterways as part of neighbourhood life
Meridian Water
The waterway and waterside spaces Towpath connections
should be a central reason why people to Enfield Lock,
Cheshunt & Waltham
Lee Valley
Regional Park
want to live, work and visit Meridian Water, Abbey
once the regeneration is complete.
Ang Nor
The Trust shares Enfield Council’s The Lee Navigation can support e l Ro th
on
ad C irc
aspiration for the development to the sustainable development of
igati
ul
deliver an active waterway through Meridian Water as developers take
ar
Nav
Ro
inclusive masterplanning and high opportunities to use the waterway
ad
ee
quality urban design, delivering active for heating and cooling.
River L
frontages to the Lee Navigation and
Improvements to the canal
improved connectivity for pedestrians New Meridian
towpath and access to it should Water Station Proposed
and cyclists to the towpath, helping
play a major role in improving ‘causeway’
to create a healthy community.
north-south connectivity from the bridge crossing
Emerging plans recognise the site to existing communities and
potential for a wide variety of on- employment centres and areas of Potential for new
water uses, including freight, leisure, regeneration, such as Tottenham offside moorings Potential for active
tourism, education, waterbus and Hale, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic canal frontage,
water taxi services along the Lee Park and London Docklands, adding both sides
Navigation. There are potential further justification for the River
opportunities to go further than Lee Navigation to become a future Towpath connections
Lee Valley to Tottenham Hale,
this by creating new waterspaces Quietway. It will also provide an Regional Park QE Olympic Park &
to help develop the character of attractive means of accessing the Docklands
Meridian Water as an attractive surrounding Lee Valley Regional
and distinctive place. Park. New development should
make a proportionate contribution Meridian Water
to canal improvements and upkeep.
7
Information taken from Enfield Council’s
Opportunity Area7
draft Edmonton Leeside Area Action Plan
Area of potential canal-side
regeneration
Employment and retail
intensification area
Opportunities for heating,
cooling and SUD systems
Areas of regeneration within
the wider Meridian Water plan
Area boundary
© Crown copyright and database rights, 2019,
Ordnance Survey 100030994.
40 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 41Waterways & wellbeing
Opportunities Waterways as part of neighbourhood life
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Opportunity Area
Residential development area V L Moorings
Mixed use regeneration area Cycle routes
Industrial intesification area Transit stations
The Trust’s waterways contributed to the Improved crossings and connections Schools
success of London’s Olympic Games and Open space, sport, leisure
Area boundary
© Crown copyright and database rights, 2019, Ordnance Survey 100030994.
they have benefitted the regeneration in
this part of East London.
Careful restoration of the Bow Back • Regeneration of Hackney Wick ad
Ro
Rivers has created space for nature town centre. ro
ss
tC
and encouraged wildlife to return Ea
s
• The new Pudding Mill community.
to this part of East London. Along
with the River Lee Navigation they • The Sugar House Lane East Wick/
Here East
Trade mooring T
have become popular destinations employment area. L Lesiure mooring
for walkers, cyclists and boaters,
• Bromley by Bow supermarket
providing a great way to visit and V
remodelling and primary school.
explore this increasingly popular area. Hackney
Wick
Copper Box
Stratford
The Trust-led, HLF-funded, project We want to see developments in City
to restore the historic Carpenters the London Legacy area continue to
Sweetwater
Road Lock has further opened up the improve the quality of the waterways East Bank
waterways of the QE Olympic Park. and access to them and take the Wickside
London
opportunities that they offer for T
Aquatic Centre
The legacy regeneration is far from
‘Good Growth’. We want to ensure Neptune
Wharf V
complete. Plans from the London London T
that significant developments, like Stadium
Legacy Development Corporation T
the Cultural and Education District,
(LLDC) identify development UCL East
improve the integration of land
allocations to build upon the success
and waterways, including through V
Bridgewater
of the Olympics and provide Visitor mooring
Road
pontoons and moorings on the water
comprehensive regeneration of the
as well as active bankside frontages
area. Key regeneration schemes that
with high quality public open space.
will impact on the Trust’s waterways Pudding
Mill
and their communities include: The new Local Plan and masterplans V
Visitor mooring
should continue to identify new V T Trade mooring
• The Cultural and Education L
connection points, proposed open Sugar
House Lane R
District, which will bring the V&A,
spaces and active frontages. It should Bow Free Wharf
BBC, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Important and well-used R Residential mooring
continue to aim for the creation of wharf on towpath.
University College London and
distinctive waterway environments
the University of the Arts London ad Three
and pursue the aspirations that the Bow
l Ro Mills
to Stratford, providing London’s
Trust and the LLDC set out in the Bromley
largest cultural and educational by Bow
waterspace strategy for the area.
district to be created in 100 years.
42 Unlocking the potential of London’s canals and rivers 43Waterways & wellbeing
Opportunities Waterways as part of neighbourhood life
Regent’s 200 Angel Festival, Regent’s Canal
We want to celebrate the 200th anniversary
of the completion of the Regent’s Canal with
a programme of local engagement activities.
There are already some excellent For Regent’s 200 in 2020, we want
projects taking place along the to focus on wildlife and greening,
Regent’s through groups such as learning and skills, place, and culture
the Lower Regent’s Coalition and and heritage. We plan on engaging
Limehouse Social. By working with local schools and community
in partnership with the creative groups and working collaboratively
community, schools and cultural with them to improve hidden corners
organisations along the canal, we and unloved spaces. This will be run
can better appeal to the mixed alongside a learning and volunteering
community around the Regent’s, programme and groups will be
including the 350,000 Londoners supported to adopt their newly
that live within a 15-minute walk of it. improved space for the long-term.
We can enhance the Regent’s Working in partnership with other
Canal as a setting for culture, organisations, participants will
exercise, learning, volunteering, gain new skills, will learn about the
relaxation and enrichment. These history of the canal and will take
improvements will provide a better part in cultural activities in newly
customer experience for the improved spaces.
hundreds of thousands of visitors
every year.
Grand Union Canal, Regent’s Canal, Limehouse Cut, River Lee,
44 Unlocking the potential of London’s canalsHertford
and rivers
Union Canal Ring; extended site for 20 events for 2020 45You can also read
