Love and care for its natural and outdoor spaces

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

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

‘I WOULD LOVE TO SEE LOTS OF TREES…TREES THAT WILL BLOSSOM AND PROVIDE NECTAR FOR BEES AND BIRDS.’

“I’D LIKE THAMES WARD TO BE A CARBON NEGATIVE AREA. IT NEEDS TO GREEN UP...AND I DON’T MEAN BY GREENERY. I MEAN, WE NEED THINGS LIKE SOLAR PANELS, MAYBE A WINDMILL, A PROPER RECYCLING CENTRE”

“IT COULD BE A VERY NICE RIVERSIDE FRONT…LIKE A SEASIDE FRONT DOWN THERE WITH BUILDINGS, LEISURE CRUISES AND A BEACH” ‘’I’D LIKE THE GREEN AREAS BETTER MAINTAINED BY THE COUNCIL…’

9. MY NEIGHBOURHOOD WILL LOVE AND CARE FOR ITS NATURAL AND OUTDOOR SPACES

The vision

We care a lot about our environment and want to spend more time enjoying our natural spaces and local wildlife. Our parks, river and outdoor spaces are beautiful and well loved. Thames Ward is a green and sustainable neighbourhood.

Which means:

• We all want access to beautiful, welcoming outdoor spaces that feel loved and owned by us. • This includes parks which are safe and fun for people of all ages and backgrounds with different sports and activities to try. • We also want to make the most of the river with a chance to explore its wildlife and do activities nearby. • We care a lot about our public and outdoor spaces being well-maintained, clean and tidy with zero tolerance for fly-tipping and rubbish. • We want our neighbourhood to be a place we’re proud to show to friends and family.

Short term indicators of change:

• Number of new parks opened • Number of new routes opened • Sustainability information made public • Number of homes with ENVAC system • Ecology Centre opened • Number of residents visiting Ecology

Centre • Number of green businesses supported locally

To help my neighbourhood be green and sustainable BRL will deliver:

• 7 new parks, providing residents with more safe and accessible greenspace • Routes and wayfinding that makes it easier for residents to find their way around and enjoy outdoor spaces across the ward • Publically available sustainability information that is accessible to local people • Expand the ENVAC waste collection system to new homes where feasible • A new Ecology Centre that allows residents from across the Ward to connect with and understand the unique ecology of the River

Thames and other ecological areas • University of East London project to support sustainable green businesses

Long term indicators of change

Residents will: • Have increased access to local parks • See local natural spaces as accessible and high quality

Thanks for taking the time to read about Thames Futures.

If you would like to watch a short video about the project or if you would like to view this booklet digitally please head to the Barking Riverside website: barkingriverside.london/the-place/social-impact

If you would like to contact us about this project please email us: community@barkingriverside.london