Vision One: 15 Minute Neighbourhoods
The projects that will be supported through this grant aim to deliver local improvements supporting the advancement of our 15 minute neighbourhoods. The projects respond to recommendations from our strategic co-design work with our communities such as the recently published Newham High Streets phase 1 strategy.
There are three main types of projects that will be funded through this grant:
1. Places for Community and Enterprise
Activation and revitalisation of key vacant Council owned buildings located in the heart of our high streets will help diversify the local economy and offer.
The focus is to provide affordable workspace for Newham residents and start-up businesses and community/civic facilities to enable high streets that meet the needs of all residents. Many assets are historic landmarks, that will be integrated back into high streets providing a network of places where people from all backgrounds can come together to work, socialise, receive support and test new ideas. Newham has the opportunity to proactively develop and deliver a new and innovative approach, that will deliver in the short term and provide a long term sustainable model for jobs and investment for the borough.
2. Shared Spaces
Through our extensive engagement around our high streets, residents time and again have expressed their concerns about how their town centres’ public realm is not pedestrian-friendly, does not support families and it does not create positive experiences.
To fully support a 15-minute neighbourhood vision, Project 2 will create an enhanced public realm that supports positive experiences when visiting local high streets, promote sustainable town centres and increase perceptions of safety. Interventions will include redesign of two key junctions, footway improvements, creative public space enhancements, planting and pocket parks, transformation of alleyways and improvement to open spaces.
3. Connected Neighbourhoods
Car ownership is low among Newham residents, however data shows that traffic and air quality along Romford Road is harmful to human health. In combination with Project 2, managing traffic and enabling active travel along and around Romford Road will help improve air quality and support residents’ everyday travel in the North part of the borough.
To achieve that this project includes a Strategic Active Travel Corridor along the Romford Road, supporting sustainable travel and providing connections between high streets. School Streets and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods will be implemented to support local journeys.
Area of focus: The proposed bid focuses on high streets located in the North of the borough and off Romford Road; stretching from Stratford to Little Ilford, including Forest Gate, Green Street, Plaistow and Manor Park. These places have long been scarred by deprivation and now suffered from a disproportionate impact of the pandemic.
Find out more about the vision, context, case for change and projects in the document 15 minute neighbourhoods delivery plan (PDF)