Thursday, September 11 2008
Transport planner and engineer JMP is to provide transport consultancy advice for the regeneration of the Mardyke Estate in Rainham. London Borough of Havering.
The scheme will involve the replacement or refurbishment of about 546 homes on the estate. It will also include significant improvements to the local road network, upgraded public transport facilities, new public open spaces and play areas and new premises for existing local shops.
The present 1960s high-rise tower blocks will be replaced with new housing stock of between three and five-storey blocks of flats that will maintain the current number of homes and be more in tune with the surrounding suburban housing areas of Elm Park and Rainham.
Regeneration follows the transfer of the Mardyke Estate into ownership of Old Ford Housing Association – part of Circle Anglia – in March 2008. First planning applications are anticipated before the end of the year.
JMP have been appointed by specialist social housing provider Inspace to prepare a transport assessment for the whole scheme and will also provide transport statements for each individual phase of the redevelopment. Work has already begun with local residents and other stakeholders on producing a travel plan for the site to assist residents in making sustainable travel choices. It will examine ways of increasing accessibility to key services, which has been identified through recent consultants as an important local concern.
The travel plan will include measures such as a car club, improved walking and cycling routes and enhanced local bus services.