8. MY NEIGHBOURHOOD WILL BE SOMEWHERE FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE EXCITED TO SPEND TIME The vision There’s something for everyone to do locally and we don’t have to travel far to get the essentials that we need. We’re excited by having more places to shop, eat out and be entertained Which means: • We want to see shopping centres locally with a wide range of facilities for entertainment, such as a cinema and food outlets. This will mean that when we need to buy something or have some free time we don’t always have to travel into Barking or further afield. • We want activities and events to appeal to a wide range of people, with things tailored for you whether you’re a child, teenager or elderly resident. • We will have a better variety of places to shop, especially when it comes to affordable food shopping. • It’s important to us that businesses and activities available locally are often free and affordable, and don’t price out local residents from taking part and enjoying them.
To make this happen, BRL will offer residents: • A regular programme of local events designed in collaboration with residents • Opportunities to help decide the placemaking opportunities in the district centre • Improved booking systems for existing community spaces e.g. Rivergate Centre • New retail, community services, leisure and entertainment facilities in the emerging neighbourhoods that are tailored to the needs of everyone across Thames Ward • A new series of venues and activities at the River Thames, with sports and exercise for a wide range of residents
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Short term indicators of change: • Number of residents attending local events • Amount of new retail, leisure and entertainment facilities opened in district centre • Number of venues and activities opening on the River Thames • Perceptions of new booking system at Rivergate Long term indicators of change More residents will: • Report satisfaction with built environment (buildings, road, pavements, paths etc.) • Take part in local clubs, societies, sports and leisure • Be satisfied with the local indoor and outdoor leisure spaces in Barking Riverside
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