Young females lend their influence to the renovation of Ilford
In the heart of London, the Ilford Arrival project is making waves as a pioneering initiative that puts community engagement at its core. Led by Jules Pipe, the deputy mayor of London for planning and regeneration, this project is part of a broader regeneration effort in Ilford, aimed at transforming the local area and reconnecting the town centre to Roding Valley.
The Ilford Arrival project, which is part of the Greater London Authority's Civic Partnership Programme (CPP), stands out for its unique approach to community engagement. The co-client team, made up exclusively of young women and girls aged between 16 and 25, is at the forefront of this inclusive participation. This team will work alongside Redbridge Council and the Greater London Authority, offering their opinions on the new project.
The goals of the Ilford Arrival project are multifaceted. It aims to enhance connectivity between Ilford's town centre and Roding Valley, thereby improving accessibility for residents and visitors. This includes plans for a new bridge, pocket park, riverside walk, and the restoration of an abandoned golf course. The project also focuses on environmental enhancement, with the rewilding of the area around River Roding. This will help restore the river's presence in public life and enhance local biodiversity.
The project's inclusive approach to community engagement is a refreshing departure from traditional decision-making processes. Kuljeet Sibia, the founding director of Diverse Dialogues, who has been appointed to lead the creation of the co-client team, emphasises a lack of understanding of communities in these processes, particularly those historically marginalised. The Ilford Arrival project aims to change this by promoting genuine collaboration and authorship, prioritising equal power sharing and community involvement.
By engaging with a wide range of community members, the project fosters a sense of ownership and belonging among residents. This collaborative approach helps build support and ensures that the final outcome is a place that truly reflects the community's vision. The project is not subject to the pressure that often accompanies government priorities in planning and infrastructure, allowing for more thoughtful and deliberate development.
The Ilford Arrival project is funded by the Civic Partnership Programme and aims to empower the local community, giving Londoners of all backgrounds a greater role in shaping their city's growth and public spaces. This initiative is intended to set a new national standard for how local authorities and developers work with communities, demonstrating that inclusivity and community engagement can drive successful regeneration projects.
In a time when trust in the government among Brits is at a low ebb, as revealed by recent research, the Ilford Arrival project offers a promising model for community-led regeneration. The project is not just about physical transformation; it's about creating a vibrant and interconnected community space that truly reflects the aspirations and needs of its residents.
- The Ilford Arrival project, as part of the Greater London Authority's Civic Partnership Programme, aims to establish a new standard for community engagement in regeneration projects, focusing on public spaces, home-and-garden areas, and lifestyle improvements in the neighbourhood.
- The unique approach of the Ilford Arrival project, which empowers the local community, particularly young women and girls, allows for a balanced collaboration during the regeneration of Ilford, promoting a cool sense of ownership and belonging among residents, and contributing to the preservation of the community's vision.
- The regeneration efforts in Ilford, as showcased by the Ilford Arrival project, are not only concerned with physical transformation but also strive for environmental enhancement in public spaces, ultimately fostering a vibrant and interconnected civic environment that meets the needs and aspirations of its residents.
