Key Points
- A £3 million regeneration project has been announced to restore public access to the River Roding in Ilford, as part of the Ilford Arrival scheme.
- The scheme is funded through the Greater London Authority’s £12 million Civic Partnership Programme (CPP), supporting areas affected by inequality, the Covid-19 pandemic, and climate change.
- Major features include a new pedestrian bridge, a pocket park, extended riverside footpaths, and the rewilding of an existing golf course.
- The project was designed by Periscope, with widespread community consultations including young women aged 16-25.
- Local leaders, including Redbridge Council Leader Cllr Kam Rai and Periscope’s Daniel Rea, have emphasised the importance of improved connectivity and community involvement.
- The broader River Roding Project, in partnership with the Environment Agency, also aims to reduce regional flood risks with new flood storage, embankments, and wetlands.
- The initiative seeks to connect Wanstead Park, Roding Valley, and Ilford town centre, enabling better access to green spaces and active travel routes.
- Environmental groups have highlighted ongoing issues such as pollution and new biodiversity measures, while flood resilience remains a central aim.
A landmark £3 million regeneration scheme will soon transform Ilford by reopening public access to the nearly forgotten River Roding, creating new urban green spaces, and bolstering flood protection efforts, in a collaborative initiative led by Redbridge Council, the Greater London Authority, and local stakeholders.
Why Is This Investment Happening Now?
As reported by BBC News, developers noted the River Roding has been “almost forgotten” in the heart of Ilford, despite Redbridge being recognised as one of London’s greenest boroughs. Daniel Rea, founding director of Periscope—the design firm behind the Ilford Arrival project—said:
“Redbridge is recognised as one of the greenest boroughs in London, and Ilford is fortunate to have the River Roding and the Roding Valley. However, at present, what should serve as a public resource is nearly forgotten”.
Per BBC London, public access to the river from Ilford town centre has historically been limited, with parts of the riverbank inaccessible to pedestrians and poorly connected to the wider Roding Valley.
How was the £3 million project funded?
According to Redbridge Council, the initiative’s funding comes via the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) Civic Partnership Programme, which allocated £3 million to the borough specifically for this purpose. As detailed by Redbridge Council,
“Redbridge Council has been awarded £3m as part of the Civic Partnership Programme to transform the walking route between Wanstead Park, Roding Valley and Ilford town centre, delivering new green space and a stunning riverside path”.
This funding forms part of the GLA’s broader £12 million package, prioritising communities impacted by inequality and economic hardship heightened by the pandemic and ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
What Will Change for the River Roding and Local Residents?
Drawing together reporting from BBC News, Redbridge Council, and the Asian Standard, the scheme will deliver:
- A new pedestrian bridge to connect key footpaths and neighbourhoods.
- The creation of a pocket park—small, localised green space near the river.
- A riverside pedestrian pathway that extends and connects to existing footpaths into Roding Valley.
- The rewilding of the adjacent golf course, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
- Enhanced public access, including improved cycle routes connecting Ilford with Newham and reconfiguring pedestrian access within Ilford.
How will the project involve the community?
As reported by BBC News, an “intensive round of consultations” involved young women and girls aged 16 to 25, who contributed their perspectives to the scheme’s design and aims. Daniel Rea of Periscope explained:
“In a time when there is a pressing need for housing and significant pressure to construct, it’s vital that community members are empowered to influence their surroundings. Regeneration often occurs without community involvement, but this method provides them with genuine agency”.
Redbridge Council added further statements from local leaders. Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said:
“There’s so much to see and do across Redbridge and by improving pedestrian routes we’re connecting Wanstead, Woodford and Ilford making sure people from all parts of the borough can access all we have to offer…. Redbridge is a growing and changing borough and we’re working with partners including the GLA to make sure our growth works for everyone – creating more public spaces, parks and pathways, in addition to welcoming external investment, new businesses and delivering leisure facilities”.
How Does This Fit Into Broader Environmental and Flood Prevention Efforts?
Coverage from the Environment Agency provides rich detail on the major works taking place along the River Roding, particularly regarding flood risk reduction. The River Roding Project includes the construction of a £28 million flood storage area upstream of the M25 at Shonks Mill Bridge, alongside long-term rewilding and wetland works.
The Environment Agency outlined the project’s purpose:
“The River Roding Project will reduce flooding to residential properties, commercial properties and infrastructure in the Woodford and Ilford areas. The project includes building a flood storage area…
Flooding events over the last 20 years—in particular those in October/November 2000 and December 2019—have caused severe disruption and demonstrated the need for long-term resilience”.
Recent construction works have included:
- Major progress in control structures to moderate river flow and mitigate flood risks.
- River diversion through new wetland channels (with final connection pending completion of the control structure).
- Community engagement and updates via council scrutiny meetings.
According to the latest Environment Agency update,
“Once complete, the River Roding will be diverted through a new wetland as part of the project… The public right of way which crosses the site has been successfully diverted and remains accessible, with further improvement planned for pedestrians and cyclists”.
What do campaigners and local groups say?
Environmental advocacy groups remain watchful regarding pollution and biodiversity. The River Roding Trust and others have flagged ongoing issues with illegal sewage outfalls and the need for continuous monitoring during rewilding and access works.
The National Park City initiative describes the Roding River walk as a potential “ribbon of parkland” linking urban and rural spaces, enhancing Ilford’s identity while urging authorities to address unresolved infrastructure and environmental health issues.
What Will the New Access Mean for Ilford and Beyond?
Reporting by the Yellow Advertiser and others notes that the new walkways, bridges, and green spaces aim to not only reconnect residents with their “lost” river but also promote health, well-being, and inclusive travel.
Redbridge Council and the GLA have highlighted further aspirations: to create “a healthier, greener, and more equitable borough, where investment in the urban environment directly addresses local aspirations and needs”.
The riverside path, cycle routes, and pocket park are designed to facilitate accessible, safe movement between Ilford, Wanstead Park, Woodford, and further into the Roding Valley, supporting both local economies and social ties.
When will residents see tangible benefits?
The GLA and Redbridge Council expect significant elements—such as the bridge, path, and pocket park—to be delivered in the coming years, with wider flood resilience works, including the flood storage area and wetland restoration, targeted for completion in early 2027.
Project updates are being communicated through council meetings, dedicated project websites, and continued community engagement, reflecting lessons from prior projects and ensuring transparency.
In summary, the new public access to the River Roding in Ilford, underpinned by substantial investment and community involvement, marks not just a physical transformation of a long-neglected asset, but a significant step in urban regeneration, environmental restoration, and local empowerment for one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
