Environment
LTGDC has ambitious plans to extend the Lea Valley Regional Park south along the river valley to its mouth into the Thames. Known as the Lea River Park project, the two mile extension south from the Olympic Park is progressing well. The water impoundment work at Three Mills Wall River and Prescott Channel that LTGDC funded creates a permanent water level north of the River Lea to enable it to support leisure activities and allow commercial water freight to service the construction of the Olympic venues.
LTGDC funding of East London Transit will see enhanced public realm and passenger facilities along its route when completed in autumn 2009. A £9 million investment in public realm improvements will see a new Stratford High Street emerge as a fitting entry point to welcome the world to the opportunities that East London provides.
At Dagenham Dock the London Sustainable Industries Park is fast becoming the focus for environmental technology industries in London. Over 18 hectares are owned by LTGDC. Plans for the site will see the park extend to over 25 hectares enabling it to accommodate new premises of up to 125,000 sq m.
LTGDC hope to follow up the successful opening of plastics recycling business Closed Loop in June 2008, and agreement with Cyclamax in March 2009 to construct a new waste-to-energy facility, with a concentration of additional environmental businesses on site. Securing recognition for east London as the location for expertise and innovation in sustainable industries will be cemented by the arrival of one of the most exciting tenants at the London SIP - the Thames Gateway Institute for Sustainability. The only initiative of its kind in the UK, the Institute is bringing together leading businesses, academic institutions and research organizations to develop new solutions for sustainable living and will provide real opportunities to test and implement low carbon solutions for existing communities within active development sites around the Gateway, driving economic growth while showcasing and disseminating best practice in delivering sustainable development. The first phase of the Institute's £40 million Research Centre will open its doors at Dagenham Dock in time for the 2010 Shanghai Expo as part of a joint international launch of a sister Institute for Sustainability in China.
