Blackwall residents will be able to have their say on the future of their neighbourhood
after Tower Hamlets Council gave the go ahead to the Blackwall Reach draft Development
Framework as a basis for extensive public consultation.
The draft Development Framework, which is a set of principles and general ideas
for the regeneration of the area, has been prepared by Tower Hamlets Council
and the government’s national regeneration agency, English
Partnerships and was agreed by the council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 1
August.
Blackwall Reach is the area bounded by East India Dock Road to the north, the
Blackwall Tunnel Approach and East India Docks to the east, Aspen Way to the
south and Cotton Street to the west. It includes Robin Hood Gardens.
A three month consultation with the community will begin, now that the period
in which Councillors have the opportunity to call in Cabinet decisions for scrutiny
has passed. The consultation will gather the broadest possible range of views
and aspirations from local residents and key community stakeholders on proposals
in the document, which includes options to either retain or redevelop Robin
Hood Gardens.
Residents and businesses will receive a postcard from the principle partners,
detailing how they can discuss the contents of the draft Development Framework,
find out more and express their views.
A fieldwork team from multi-disciplinary consultants, Scott Wilson, plans to
make a home visit to every resident or community group who would like to have
proposals in the draft Development Framework further explained or translated.
A freephone helpline is now active on Tel: 0800 055 6340.
A project website will also be going live this week on
www.blackwallreach.co.uk and a whole community gathering is planned for
Saturday 20th October 2007. In October, workshops will be held with key groups
such as young people and Asian women.
Councillor Rupert Bawden, Lead Member for Development and Housing, Tower Hamlets
Council said, "The draft Development Framework for consultation sets out
some options for regenerating the area around Robin Hood Gardens. We want residents
and local businesses to be a part of the decisions that could benefit not only
themselves but also future generations.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the residents of Blackwall and that’s
why it’s really important that people take the time to join in the consultation.
Their views are vital in the future regeneration of the area and I want to encourage
everybody to join in and have their say.”
John Carroll, Regeneration Manager for English Partnerships said, “English
Partnerships, as the national regeneration agency, works across a wide range
of regeneration areas, each one presenting different challenges, opportunities
and ways of working with our partners.
“At Blackwall Reach, the three month community consultation will inform
us how we can use our regeneration expertise to best answer the needs of local
residents and key stakeholders to recreate a vibrant, sustainable community
in Tower Hamlets, where people will choose to continue to live and work.
At the heart of this approach lies community engagement and our aim is that
any regeneration in Blackwall Reach would provide lasting benefits and opportunities
for local residents”.
Stuart Woodin from Scott Wilson, and leading the community engagement team,
said, "It is vital that local people and their representatives are part
of the evolving plan for Blackwall Reach. Feedback from the discussions in this
three month period will inform the contents of a final Development Framework,
which is expected to be taken before Cabinet around spring 2008.
“This consultation will focus on the community’s aspirations for
their homes and the neighbourhood. There are important choices to be made –
for individuals, families and the community as a whole. We very much see the
community as part of the solution and we look forward to meeting as many people
as possible to hear their views and register their needs”.