Wandle

There is a new project underway to develop a Regional Park in South London. The proposed Wandle Valley Regional Park follows the course of the River Wandle from Croydon through Sutton, Merton and Wandsworth to the River Thames.

The review of the London Plan recognises the Valley’s potential to address London’s identified deficiency in open space and contribute to regeneration of the sub-region. A spatial vision document has been published to take forward plans to the next stage of the Wandle Valley Regional Park’s development. Ideas and views from many stakeholders have been collated and the report of the Wandle Valley Regional Park Strategic Vision is available here.

The Wandle Forum has been established in the form of a not for profit unincorporated association. Active involvement of Forum members is a key component to successful regeneration along the Wandle and development of the Wandle Valley Regional Park. Membership is open to all individuals, community organisations, businesses and agencies with an interest in the area. The objects of the Forum are:

• Develop and promote integrated, high quality and sustainable approaches to planning and development across the Wandle Valley.
• Protect, enhance and promote the Wandle Valley open spaces and diverse natural environment, enabling access for all sections of the community – especially under-represented groups, and promote healthy, active lifestyles for local people.
• Maximise the area’s use for sustainable transport, health, tourism and leisure activities and maximise access to all of these.
• Promote and enhance the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage.
• Maximise the area’s economic potential encouraging enterprise and learning at all levels, demonstrating the importance of a high quality local environment to economic/regional competitiveness.
• Ensure that the needs and potential of the Wandle Valley area are recognised by government, investors and other strategic agencies and funders.

Groundwork London and the GLA secured funding under the EU SAUL programme to progress the Regional Park work and a steering group has been established which includes Wandle Forum representation plus all land owners and boroughs. Other developments:

• Further funding bids are being prepared to support developments.
• Volunteers are active in a number of areas including organising an annual festival, producing wildlife booklets, organising clean ups etc.
• The lead members of the four local authorities have formed a group (LAW) to progress the particular priorities for the local authorities as land owners.
• A working group on environment and open spaces has been established.
• A working group on health/leisure/sport has been established.

Current updates

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