Park Development Framework Area Proposals. Context to Area 2 Ruckholt Road to Coppermill Lane

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1 Park Development Framework Area Proposals Context to Area 2 Ruckholt Road to Coppermill Lane The defining feature of this area is the broad expanse of marshlands. These provide the context for a diverse range of habitats and a wide range of leisure facilities. The marshes which include Walthamstow, Leyton and Hackney Marshes occupy a broad sweep of the valley floor and form a continuous inter-related open area for leisure and recreation that links through to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park further south. The landscape has an industrial heritage containing railways, electricity pylons, redundant water filtration structures and infrastructure to prevent flooding. The valley s edges comprise intensively developed residential and industrial areas which date from the nineteenth century and which were the subject of redevelopment during the late twentieth century. Several of these e.g. the Argyll industrial site are included in the Regional Park where as others such as the site currently occupied by the Thames Water depot in the heart of the Park are designated as Metropolitan Open Land. The area is well used with a diverse range of recreational and educational activities, indoor and outdoor sports, events and biodiversity and wildlife interest. The Authority s facilities at the Ice centre, Riding Centre and the Waterworks centre attract more than half a million visitors each year. The waterways of the Lee Navigation and the River Lea enhance the leisure and wildlife spaces and provide further opportunities for water sports, habitat creation and informal recreation. Key Resources and Special Features The large open spaces have high ecological values. Walthamstow Marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a nature reserve with ecological and heritage interest. This natural open space together with the mature parkland at Springfield Park, the Lee Navigation and Springfield Marina define the landscape character of this northern part of the Area. The waterways are also recognised as key wildlife habitats with green corridors supporting access. These are features which the Authority s proposals aim to protect and enhance. Both the Essex and Middlesex filter beds date from the mid nineteenth century. Over the last 15 years the Authority has worked to combine this heritage interest with biodiversity. At Essex Filter Beds remnants of the water industry have been safeguarded and interpreted and wetland habitat created to demonstrate a range of succession planting. The central filter beds have been adapted as one of London s largest bird hides. The Middlesex filter beds are a Nature Reserve and the whole site is identified as a site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. This combination of heritage and wetland habitats has provided a strong theme around which to base visitor and educational attractions accessed via the Waterworks Centre. Proposals seek to extend this offer. 1

2 The large areas of marshlands contrast with several more formal parks. These include Springfield Park, St James Park and North and South Millfields recreation ground. These provide play facilities including football, tennis and space for informal recreation. Millfields provides a strong focus for a range of community activities which includes a community orchard and a variety of cultural events. These spaces contribute to the areas open character and its ecological values. The proposals aim to enhance the ecology of these areas where possible and improve access. It is important that new development is not used to cut them off from the large open spaces which define this area s essential character. Further south, the predominant land use within the Regional Park is the vast, flat, open area of Hackney Marsh. Comprised of numerous sports pitches, this is a resource which complements the sporting legacy of the Olympic Park. Embraced by the River Lea to the east and the Lee Navigation along its western edge, with lines and belts of mature poplar trees, the surrounding industrial and urban development is well screened from the central areas of the Marsh. The adopted Hackney Marshes masterplan includes landscape enhancement of Hackney Marshes with new habitat creation along its river edges. Other measures will consolidate the role of this area in providing for sporting activity and casual recreation. Opportunities for Visitor Enjoyment North-south access through the area is good with the Lee Valley pathway and several other cycling routes and pathways through the marshes. There are difficulties in east-west access through the area. The street pattern, industrial estates and rail lines prevent good access from the east. Proposals such as that for the Blackpath will, in part, address this issue. Whilst visitors can access this area by several bus routes the Authority is keen to support LB Waltham Forest in its work to re-open Lea Bridge Road station. This could serve a wider catchment. This area is open for public recreation and this forms the predominant land use throughout. The built facilities cater for and are used intensively for a variety of activities from, for example, ice skating to horse ball competitions, outdoor events to nature study and walking. Open spaces and facilities are popular with community groups and volunteers who invest considerable time and energy in the area enhancing the range of activities available, improving biodiversity and managing innovative projects such as the Hackney Community Tree Nursery and Edible Forest Garden. There are a number of leisure centres, such as the Lee Valley Riding Centre, Lee Valley Ice Centre and the Waterworks Nature Reserve and Golf Centre at Lea Bridge Road. These facilities are now complemented by the new visitor centre on Hackney Marshes. Facilities at Springhill, Springfield Marina and the rowing and canoe clubs on the Navigation provide for water sports and recreation. Proposals identify scope for new water based facilities at sites such as Essex and Eastwood wharves and the Thames Water depot. These facilities within 2

3 the Regional Park are complemented by a range of pubs and waterside cafes which lie just outside the Park. The Authority accepts that there are some sites, included within the Park s boundaries, which are not compatible with its statutory purpose. These can have an adverse effect on the Park and on the provision of high quality facilities and its environment in line with its adopted Vision. In these circumstances where they lie on its edge and are not covered by statutory designations which could support their future use for park related purposes the Authority will seek to limit the extent of impact of new development on the Park through landscaping or seek their designation as Metropolitan Open Land (MoL) or as Major developed sites in the Green Belt 1. For other developed sites including those which by reason of their location are currently designated as either MoL or Green Belt, the Authority will resist their redevelopment for non park related uses.. Our proposals for new and enhanced visitor facilities along Lea Bridge Road include opportunities for new visitor accommodation in the form of hostel accommodation and or chalets or pods. The Waterworks centre and Essex Wharf are ideally suited to serve this purpose. These would support the development of the area as a visitor base for trips to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the wider Regional Park. Proposals support the development of a key gateway access into the Olympic Park from Hackney Marshes and new pedestrian and cycle access links between the two areas. Proposals The Authority s draft proposals are designed to address the issues identified above and are based on the Authority s adopted (July 2010) guiding principles for the future development and management of the Regional Park. These are: Partnership work recognising that many of the proposals can only be delivered through the collective efforts of a range of partners, stakeholders and landowners. Regional Value assessing the range of benefits that any particular facility or activity within the Park delivers to the people of Essex, Hertfordshire and London. Multi-function and synergy developing proposals which can be used to harness competing demands. Flexibility the design and management of facilities and open spaces of the park in a way which responds to changing needs and demands. Environmental Sustainability recognising that the ongoing planning, design and management of the Park must be underpinned by 1 Major Developed Site in the Green Belt defined under Annex 2 of PPS 2 Green Belts DETR

4 principles of sustainable management and development and take full account of the need to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change Engagement engagement with a wide range of organisations, user groups and community groups is fundamental to the successful management and development of the Park. 4

5 Park Development Framework Revisions to Area Specific Proposals following public consultation Area 2 - Lea Bridge Road Area extending between Ruckholt Road in the south to Coppermill Lane in the north Visitors Sport & Recreation Biodiversity Community Landscape & Heritage Environment map ref Area name Area proposal (divided by theme) 2.A.1 Springhill and Springfield Park Enhance visitor facilities within the area based around the existing cluster of sites adjacent to the River Lea and Springfield Marina. Work with the London Borough of Hackney to improve the quality of pedestrian and cycle access into the area from the west, and beyond the Park boundaries and establish clearly signed links through to the path networks and open spaces of the wider Regional Park including to the Walthamstow Wetlands area immediately to the north. Interpretation of ecology and heritage assets should form part of improved visitor infrastructure. Protect opportunities for sporting and recreational use and activity within the area, in particular the enhancement of sports facilities at Springhill. Work with and support the operators of water based facilities at Lea Rowing Club and Leaside Canoe Centre together with British Waterways to identify measures to increase levels of public accessibility and participation. Opportunities to create a formal canoe trail down the Lee should be considered linking through into other areas of the Park and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Explore opportunities to increase playable space in the area. Work with the London Borough of Hackney to protect and manage Springfield Park s ecological value and support its role as an important urban wildlife habitat with full public access. Support the conservation and enhancement of the mature landscape and the continued protection of important features of historic and geological interest including the restoration and rehabilitation of heritage assets such as the White Lodge where these can contribute to visitor enjoyment. Views out across the Regional Park to be 5

6 protected and the residential area along the northern boundary screened. 2.A.2 Springfield Marina Establish a waterside focal point for visitors at Springfield Marina by broadening the range of leisure facilities and enhancing visitor provision; to include signage and information about the Park, toilets, food and drink, shelter, staff presence, etc. Any proposal for new development should respect its waterside location, the peaceful character of the area and the ecological value of the waterways and their margins. Encourage good boating management through enhanced visitor infrastructure and signage for boaters. Identify market interest in enhancing the leisure offer at the Marina and opportunities for additional infrastructure to support recreational boating. Work with British Waterways and the Environment Agency to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the waterways and their margins/banks to complement and act as a buffer for the adjoining designated sites to the north and south. Develop this area as a gateway into the Regional Park with improved access and circular routes connecting through into the broader valley. Conserve and enhance the mature landscape and views to and from the valley to the surrounding urban area. Explore opportunities with the London Borough of Hackney for the use of this area as a working wharf to support commercial use of the Navigation. Work with the Environment Agency to improve water quality at the Marina. 2.A.3 Low Hall & St James Park Enhance the quality and safety of existing pedestrian and cycle routes into the Park from the east. Work with London Borough of Waltham Forest, the Environment Agency and other stakeholders to develop, 6

7 maintain and sign connecting routes for pedestrians and cyclists between sites and through existing industrial areas in order to re-connect St James s Park, and the Low Hall area with the Park and improve the provision of facilities for visitors. Improve the existing bridge crossings over the flood relief channel and provide a new path across the dismantled railway land at Hall Farm Curve to link Low Hall Playing Fields with the wider Walthamstow Marsh area. Establish links to heritage assets outside the Park such as the Walthamstow Pump House Museum to strengthen leisure interest in the area. Work with the London Borough of Waltham Forest to protect the good quality sports and recreational facilities at St James Park and Low Hall sports ground and investigate the potential to enhance their regional value. Work in partnership to create new habitat margins around the Low Hall sports ground and safeguard existing ecological value at Low Hall Farm Flood Meadow, to be managed as a nature reserve with controlled public access. Engage with the Environment Agency on options to identify and implement measures to improve biodiversity of the flood Relief Channel. Support the enhancement and management of other sites of ecological value and potential including Low Hall woodland, the Dagenham Brook corridor and land between the railway lines and Low Hall Sports Ground with new pedestrian links established between and from these sites through to adjoining areas of nature conservation importance. Improve the landscape quality throughout this area with particular attention focused on the management of the woodland between St James s Park and Low Hall Playing Fields, and screening areas of housing and industry within and adjoining the Park in order to maximise the green edge to the Park and establish a buffer strip. Explore options with the Environment Agency to improve the landscape and biodiversity value of the Flood Relief Channel Support the London Borough of Waltham Forest in management of recreational allotments and community gardens. Facilities at allotments to be maintained to a high standard and special attention focused on improving the edges of plots and boundaries shared with the Park. Opportunities to open up pedestrian access alongside the Flood Relief Channel to be explored with the Environment Agency. 7

8 2.A.4 Walthamstow Marsh and Coppermills Fields Safeguard the openness of this area and enhance existing route networks to maintain the established link between clusters of facilities at Springfield Park and Marina, Lea Bridge Road and beyond to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Maintain the area as a space for informal leisure. Enhance and maintain existing horse riding routes especially on land to the north of the Riding Centre. Protect, restore and manage the mix of floodplain grassland and fen and small open water areas within Walthamstow Marsh Nature Reserve and SSSI to enhance its ecological value. Manage sites outside the Reserve to enhance their ecological value and contribution to the biodiversity of the area working in partnership with landowners where appropriate. Measures to improve public access for nature conservation, educational and heritage interests will be developed further to support the development of this area together with other sites nearby (2.A.6) as a flagship access to nature destination. Support volunteer activity on Walthamstow Marshes as part of the management and enhancement of the Marshes, its biodiversity value and related educational role. Target hard to reach groups through the volunteer programme in this area, working with key stakeholders such as the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest and Hackney. building upon the Your Space Wild Space initiative. Protect and enhance the positive and natural characteristics of the landscape, including the openness of the valley and its heritage features. Strengthen landscape quality in the north at Coppermill Fields and along the eastern edge of the area, work with landowners to rationalise the varied infrastructure and fences that create both physical and visual barriers and improve the quality and accessibility of pedestrian and cycle routes through into the Marshes. Implement landscape works to soften the effect of the railway embankments that cross the Park whilst ensuring views out across the Park are maintained. 8

9 Protect and promote the history of the Marsh and associated heritage assets within the area through interpretational guides and signage, trails and links though to other sites of heritage value for example at Springfield, Coppermills Water Treatment works, and at the Walthamstow Low Hall Pump House Museum (the Pump House Steam and Transport Museum). Work with partners including the Environment Agency to: improve water quality and water management particularly in relation to enhancing and maintaining floodplain, grassland and fen habitats on Walthamstow Marsh and to help meet the targets of the Thames River Basin Management Plan; identify and implement measures to improve the biodiversity value of the Flood Relief Channel, opportunities to open up pedestrian access alongside and crossing points over the channel and into the Park whilst maintaining its role in managing flood risk, and to research options for using the Marshes to help manage flood risk and provide additional flood storage capacity where this will improve site resilience to climate change and also benefit and enhance ecological value and SSSI status of the site 2.A.5 North and South Millfields Maintain and improve pedestrian and cycle links into and through the area and connections with and through adjacent residential areas. Safeguard recreational and leisure use of the parkland and waterside open space. Explore options for playable space in partnership with the London Borough of Hackney. Support work being undertaken by London Borough of Hackney to protect and enhance the ecological value of the area and improve access to nature. Explore options with both the London Borough of Hackney and the Environment Agency to incorporate water/wetland features into the wider environment, and develop waterside biodiversity and integration with the Navigation and key sites such as Middlesex Filter Beds. 9

10 Support events and community use of and events within the open parkland including the community orchard on South Millfields Support the conservation of the high quality mature landscape and open green spaces of North and South Millfields. Work with the London Borough of Hackney to undertake landscape works to screen and tidy up negative features along the boundaries of the Park and around boundaries of individual sites Work with the London Borough of Hackney to explore opportunities to use the waterways to transport waste providing this has no adverse impact on leisure use and ecological value. 2.A.6 Lea Bridge Road area Develop the Lea Bridge Road area as a major visitor node. This will include: Development of a new waterside leisure facility, and a visitor focal point, potentially including visitor accommodation, at Essex and Eastwood Wharf to provide opportunities for water related recreational uses, for example a canoe trail. This development will provide support facilities for visitors enjoying the range of activities and events available within this area. Development of the site which is not appropriate under the terms of the Park Act 1966 and the Park Authority s remit and does not accord with the proposals set out in the Park Development Framework will be resisted. Development of a waterside visitor hub on part of the Thames Water Deport site to complement new facilities at Essex and Eastwood Wharf and existing and future enhanced facilities at the Waterworks Centre with a stronger route network from/to sites. All waterside visitor related development should be designed to enhance the waterside environment, its ecological value, and have minimal impact on the openness of the Park and MOL status where this applies. It should support recreational and leisure use of the Park. Enhancement of existing visitor facilities at the Waterworks Centre and a broadening of visitor facilities at the Ice Centre and Riding Centre to provide services to the general Park visitor. 10

11 Provision of visitor accommodation as part of the expanded enhanced visitor offer at the Waterworks Centre. Options could include youth hostel style facilities, pods and/or chalets to develop the site as a visitor base, encourage young people and families to visit and complement visits to the QE Olympic Park and the wider Regional Park. Proposals for visitor accommodation would need to satisfy the requirements of the sites designation as Metropolitan Open Land, and be of a scale and design appropriate to the open character, ecological value and landscape quality of the Park. Improvement of the quality and accessibility of walking and cycling routes into the Park from Clapton Station with the provision of clear directional signage through the residential areas. The enhancement and maintenance of a network of all weather shared use paths between visitor facilities, open spaces, and the strategic routes; the Lee Valley Pathway and Lea Valley Walk along the towpath, to provide access for all abilities and users. Working with Transport for London to extend the Mayor s cycle hire scheme throughout the Lee Valley with the provision of cycle hire docking stations at locations within the Park such as the Waterworks Centre. Enhancement of the quality and safety of existing bridge crossings over the flood relief channel in the east for both pedestrians and cyclists. Work with partners to ensure these crossings link into accessible path networks and open spaces within the adjoining residential and business communities. Protection of routes used by horse riders and an exploration of the options to extend these south onto Hackney Marsh and through to Olympic Park in association with the operation of the Lee Valley Riding Centre. Development of opportunities in partnership with BW to increase recreational use of the waterways for pleasure boating and as a means of transporting visitors to and from the area. This should complement the new waterside leisure centre at Essex and Eastwood Wharf. Enhance the range of existing sport and recreation facilities provided at the Ice Centre, Riding Centre and Waterworks Par 3 Golf. This will include: 11

12 At the Riding Centre - provision of additional livery facilities, increased use of outdoor areas for schooling and exercise and an expanded activities programme. At the Ice Centre options for an additional ice pad and the expansion of sporting and leisure use of the Ice Centre to be explored. Development of playable space and play provision at the Waterworks Centre Develop new leisure and recreation facilities within the Lea Bridge Road visitor node. Potential sites for such development include the Thames Water Depot (see inset 2.A.6.1), land adjoining the Waterworks Centre, reuse of existing buildings at Connaught Close and redevelopment of existing industrial land along the eastern edge of the Park. Such development would need to contribute to an enhanced regional offer and would have to be considered in terms of its impact on Metropolitan Open Land, the openness of the Park, its ecological value and need to enhance landscape quality and views through to the rest of the Park. Ensure opportunities for informal recreational activity are available throughout the area, particularly on Leyton Marsh and alongside the waterways Develop the Waterworks Centre and Nature Reserve as a regionally significant access to nature destination building on existing core visitor infrastructure and linking this through to Walthamstow Marshes and to new visitor facilities at Walthamstow Reservoirs. Enhance and restore habitats within the Essex Filter Beds and improve connections with and access through to Middlesex Filter Beds Nature Reserve. Conserve, enhance and manage habitats within Middlesex Filter Beds to complement ecological areas on Essex Filter Beds. Establish new habitat margins along the southern and western boundaries of the Thames Water Depot to complement the ecology of the waterways and reinforce connections between Essex and Middlesex Filter Beds. Work with the Environment Agency to protect, enhance and manage the waterways and associated waterside environment along the western boundary of this area as wildlife corridors interconnected with the wider ecological resource on Walthamstow Marsh, and Middlesex Filter Beds. Support the Environment Agency and British Waterways in operations to eradicate evasive species particularly along the River Lea. Support the naturalisation of bank habitats along the Navigation including fish refuges, the installation of fish and eel passes and improved conditions for public access. 12

13 Enhance the capacity of the existing facilities at the Waterworks Centre, Riding Centre and Ice Centre to accommodate events, formal and informal learning and arts related activities. Further investment in infrastructure and event management regimes to be undertaken to establish Leyton Marsh as a permanent events space and limit possible adverse effects on biodiversity, landscape and recreational assets. The Waterworks Centre to be developed and promoted as the areas base for learning and volunteer related activity. The educational resource at the Centre and natural areas to be safeguarded and enhanced for youth and schools activities and to continue and expand provision of environmental and heritage based education programmes. Target hard to reach groups through the volunteer programme in this area, working with key stakeholders such as the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest and Hackney, building upon the Your Space Wild Space initiative Upgrade interpretation, signage and path networks throughout the area to enable visitors to explore the biodiversity, heritage and open recreational spaces of the Park. Implement major improvements to landscape quality as a whole, especially to the south of Lea Bridge Road and adjacent to the industrial areas along the eastern edge of the area and to the environment surrounding the Ice Centre to better integrate these areas into the wider valley landscape. Landscape improvements should support and be sensitive to the biodiversity of key sites and heritage assets and aim to strengthen the river valley corridor and its associated waterways, maintaining and creating views out, to and from the valley. Protect, enhance and interpret the important heritage assets that form a core part of the visitor experience at Essex and Middlesex Filter Beds. Work with the Environment Agency to identify and implement measures to improve the biodiversity value of the Flood Relief Channel, and the crossing over the channel into the Park north of the Riding Centre whilst maintaining its role in managing flood risk. Support work to control and eradicate invasive alien species and minimise their impact on the ecology, landscape and recreational enjoyment of the Park. Explore the options with BW for increased commercial use of the Navigation providing this use will not impact upon biodiversity, recreation and heritage assets. Maximise efficient use of energy across the existing built facilities. 13

14 2.A.6.1 Thames Water Depot site Work with Thames Water, London Borough of Waltham Forest and other stakeholders to identify options for a development at the Thames Water Depot site that will bring this site into a Park compatible use. Appropriate uses would include (but are not restricted to) one or more of the following: a waterside visitor hub incorporating leisure related uses; a biodiversity based and/or heritage related visitor attraction; accommodation serving visitors to the Park community related activity and uses as defined by the Authority s adopted Thematic Proposals; and new recreational or sporting facilities The type, scale and design of any development would need to be appropriate in term of the sites designation as Metropolitan Open Land and its location within the heart of the Regional Park. Development or use of the site would be expected to support and complement existing leisure and nature conservation activity and facilities in the area, enhance the landscape quality and ecological value of the environment and adjoining waterways and protect and bring back into public use buildings of heritage value. Development of the site should encourage sustainable modes of transport, improve pedestrian and cycle networks and links to and from the site and safeguard the route of the Black Path through part of the site. Development of the site which is not appropriate under the terms of the Park Act 1966 and the Park Authority s remit and does not accord with the proposals set out in the Park Development Framework will be resisted. 2.A.7 Hackney Marsh Develop and enhance the route networks within and through Hackney Marshes with the provision of new visitor infrastructure and directional signage where appropriate as part of the network of facilities linking the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with Lea Bridge Road, Walthamstow Marshes, Springfield Park and Marina and Walthamstow Wetlands. Work with the London Boroughs of Hackney and Waltham Forest to ensure connections through from the Park to local open spaces, existing route networks and communities adjoining the Park are clearly signed and promoted Support the development of a key gateway access point into the Olympic Park from Hackney Marshes. 14

15 Maintain strategic routes; Lea Valley Walk and the Lee Valley Pathway. Explore the options for a horse riding route, clearly demarcated, onto Hackney Marsh and through to Olympic Park in association with the operation of the Lee Valley Riding Centre. Improve the quality and accessibility of walking and cycling routes into the Park from the residential areas to the west and improve existing bridge crossings over the Navigation. Support the provision of new visitor facilities at the Hackney Marshes Centre located on south Marsh and work with London Borough of Hackney to ensure these facilities are available to general Park visitors as part of a network of visitor infrastructure within the wider area. Support the provision of new and the enhancement of existing land based sport and recreation facilities including the Hackney Marshes centre on south marsh and the new Hackney Marshes Pavilion on north Marsh. Explore with the London Borough of Hackney opportunities for playable space and cycle hire facilities, and the expansion of water based recreational activity on the River Lee Navigation and the development of fishing of the River Lee, providing this can be achieved without detriment to the waterside ecology and habitats Create a zone of high quality sports and recreation facilities by enhancing connectivity between Hackney Marshes and the Olympic Park immediately to the south. Support works to improve the ecological interest of Hackney Marshes through habitat diversification and enhancement. In particular work with the London Borough of Hackney to introduce new habitat margins to the playing fields/sport pitches, protect and manage existing nature conservation value within areas adjacent to the waterways and at Wick Wood and support works to improve and manage habitats along the eastern edge of the site through tree/shrub planting and meadow creation. Sports facilities development and provision of new visitor facilities should provide infrastructure for enhanced events use of the Marshes. Community activities and use of the Marshes such as the Community Tree Nursery and Forest Garden to be supported together with informal recreational use of the Marshes such as walking and stargazing. Work with the London Borough of Hackney to enhance the overall landscape quality and structure of the Marshes as part of the river valley corridor and conserve areas of existing high quality adjacent to the waterways. Maintain and improve views to and out from and across the Marshes. 15

16 Explore options in partnership with London Borough of Hackney and the Environment Agency for the use of land within Hackney Marshes for flood risk management and flood storage in relation to mitigating existing flood risk and climate change associated with development proposed at Hackney Wick, providing this would contribute to habitat diversification and recreational interest. 2.R.1 2.R.2 Coppermill Lane Lea Bridge Road Improve Coppermill Lane as a secondary entry point to the Park focussed on pedestrian and cycle access in particular focussing on accessibility improvements at Coppermill railway viaduct and High bridge over the River Lea and measures to improve the landscape corridor along Coppermill Stream. Radically improve the quality of Lea Bridge Road as a focus for entry to and activity within the Park by: Enhancing existing pedestrian and cycle paths adjacent to the Road and across the Navigation and Flood Relief Channel Co-ordinating public transport along this corridor including location and quality of bus stops/shelter Supporting, in principle the reopening of Lea Bridge station, to improve public transport provision for visitors directly into the Park Enhancing and creating new crossing points as key features of the Park road to ensure priority is given to park visitors. New pedestrian crossings should provide safe access directly to Park facilities and visitor nodes such as the Waterworks centre Improving the landscape quality of the road to strengthen the presence and awareness of crossing the park/valley, establishing visual connections to the open spaces of the valley to the north and south implementing a co-ordinated landscape treatment for the road frontage including directional and entrance signage that reflects the range of facilities available. 16

17 2.R.3 2.R.4 Homerton Road & Ruckholt Road Lee Valley Pathway Work with partners to undertake comprehensive improvements to the visual appearance and environment of both Homerton Road, as it enters the Park from the west and Ruckholt Road as it enters the Park from the east to establish definite entrances into the Park. Improve the provision of public transport infrastructure along this route including location and quality of bus stops/shelters to ensure it serves Park visitors. Maintain and enhance the route of the Pathway for walkers and cyclists as part of the strategic route through the Park. Establish connecting paths especially from open spaces, residential and industrial areas to the east and from the Low Hall area. Create and enhance key entrance points onto the route at Coppermill Lane, Lea Bridge Road and Homerton Road. 2.R.5 Black Path Entry into the Park along the route of the Black Path to be established in the north east and south west. A route across the Park will be maintained using existing path networks around the facilities on Lea Bridge Road. Opportunities for interpretation of this historic route to be explored with key stakeholders. 17