We are excited to see work start on the new linear park in Barking and Dagenham that we designed in collaboration with the local community.
Complementing an exciting backdrop of 1,000 new homes and a new Overground station, the new park will link the River Thames at Barking Riverside to Barking town centre, creating a beautiful route for everyone who wants cycle, walk or wheel in the area.
Connecting city neighbourhoods with the River Thames and nature
The 1.3km (0.8 mile) walking and cycling route and linear park will open up underused green space, and link communities in the Thames Ward area of the borough.
Safe, traffic-free route for everyone to enjoy
The walking and cycling path will offer safer routes to school, away from the busy Thames Road and greater access to nature. The surrounding park will include natural play features, a community orchard, places to sit and improved wildlife habitats designed by local residents and ecologists.
Sustrans worked in partnership with Barking and Dagenham to successfully bid for over £440k* match funding from the Mayor of London’s Green Capital Grant and secured match funding from local developer, Barking Riverside Ltd. The Green Capital grants are part of the Mayor’s Greener City Fund and are supporting large green space projects that contribute to healthier living, improved air and water quality, encouraging walking and cycling, and enhancing biodiversity.
Planting trees for London
We’re looking forward to working with Trees for Cities and local community volunteers to plant our trees over the winter. With the help of the charity Thames 21, we will also ensure the waterways, which are an important feature to the park, are enhanced and remain in good condition.
Sustrans London director Matt Winfield said: “It’s so exciting to see work start and it will be great to follow the progress as our design starts to become something people will be able to enjoy.
"It has been fantastic working with them and the borough to create this wonderful community asset that I’m sure will be treasured for generations to come.
Cabinet Member for Social Housing and Regeneration, Councillor Cameron Geddes said: “It’s has been great working with Sustrans, getting this project up and running.
"Their experience in collaborative design and working with residents puts the community at the heart of the process so we create a space that works for them.
"It’s wonderful to see the work start and I’m looking forward to seeing the Ripple Greenway taking shape over the coming months.”
*£400k Green Capital Grant and £40k Community Tree Planting Grant.
