Farrells - Mixed-Use Development - Southeast England, A Vision for the Thames Gateway

Date: 27 Jul 2006

In 2003, the internationally renowned architect and master planner, Sir Terry Farrell, conceived an aspirational vision to declare the Government designated area of the Thames Gateway as a new kind of National Park. Contrary to recent press coverage, Sir Terry Farrell has no official position of any kind; the initiative is voluntary and similar to other Farrell proposals, such as the Marylebone / Euston Road, The Nash Ramblas and the future role of the Royal Parks.

The idea that the Thames Gateway should have an 'aspirational vision' for its future development is universally supported throughout the public and independent private sector. It is not good enough, however, to simply state that the Thames Gateway will be meeting the housing shortage on brownfield land. New housing would clearly be better situated near existing infrastructure (rail, water and power networks) with the obvious choice being the presently neglected area between the East End and Dartford. Sir Terry has been quoted as saying; "Next to Canary Wharf there is a wilderness with dragonflies and cheap old factories. London needs the investment itself," (rather than building new communities from a cold start requiring billions of pounds for roads, schools and hospitals).
The continued campaigning to realise the bigger picture has as its central theme that it is as much about 'rural regeneration' as 'urban regeneration'. In 50 years time, through a proactive strategy, taken on collectively by all stakeholders, the Thames Gateway can become a special place where urban London co-exists harmoniously with rural Kent and Essex. Rural and urban Britain could champion the world's first truly sustainable eco-region.

There are two key factors that are driving the initiative:

1. As a great world city it is unacceptable that London is significantly further away from a National Park than any other major conurbation.

2. London will suffer the most in social and ecological terms from the effects of global warming. Rising sea levels will have a bigger economic impact on the Thames Estuary and London than anywhere else in Britain. A further issue is that the region will become increasingly arid, which could be addressed by having a specifically designed and future proofed National Park on London's doorstep.

The vision for a new National Park can be achieved, not only with new kinds of landscape and agriculture, but also with modern methods of harnessing Tidal Wave Power and bio-crops for energy creation. In summary, the aspirational vision behind the Thames Gateway proposals is for the world's first purpose built and entirely sustainable National Park.

Helping move this popular vision forward, a number of ministers and government advisers have become increasingly involved in new ideas for the Thames Gateway area. Yvette Cooper initiated a study re-thinking the potential for the Thames Gateway to create a new identity for the region. At the same time the independent private sector has come forward to enthusiastically back Sir Terry Farrell's ideas and to help get things moving.

Last month a multi-disciplinary group consisting of Farrells, Battle McCarthy, Biodiversity by Design, Experian, HBOS (Halifax and Bank of Scotland) , EC Harris, Future Foundation and Scott Wilson, came together to take these ideas to the next stage, which involved an all-parliamentary presentation and discussion on the future of the Thames Gateway. At its heart was the belief that a new kind of National Park is the best response to economic decline in East London, South Essex and North Kent - a vision that now enjoys extremely broad support and a strong will to progress. In the words of Lord Richard Rogers "it is not only the best idea for the Thames Gateway, it is the only idea." Similarly, Ken Livingstone has suggested that "London could have its own Lake District."

What Farrell is now seeking is more committed Government and independent backing to take forward this singular vision. To be developed, this widely supported concept needs funding and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Much energy and effort is currently being directed to the Thames Gateway, yet so little to an overarching way forward and Sir Terry Farrell's proposition is now sufficiently developed to take it forward with confidence.

Initial Concept for a new connection across the Thames Estuary linking Essex and Kent.

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