F E AT U R E By Phil Askew
Combating climate change in Thamesmead
Thamesmead in South London is looking at how a landscape-led approach can tackle climate change 1 1. A view of Southmere. © Paul Upward
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hen the Greater London Council (GLC) decided in the 1960s to reclaim over a thousand acres of marshes in the eastern reaches of the River Thames, it had a utopian plan for its very own New Town. Channelling the spirit of early pioneers, the opportunity was seized to create an entirely different way of living, nine miles from central London. Innovative concrete design and modern amenities were to be closely integrated with nature and green space. The marshes were channelled to establish a series of large lakes and a network of canals. A 1970 promotional film described ‘environmental conditions unmatched by anything that has existed before’. The idea was to punt to the shops. Early residents still love the
place for giving them what they describe as the best childhood ever, roaming free. Affordable, healthy and bright homes were the aim of the GLC. Flood risk required habitable rooms to start at first floor level, so the housing was elevated on concrete platforms. The large-scale forms were designed to hold their own in a monumental landscape, with four avant-garde, now iconic towers flanking one lakeside. Fast-forward 50 years and Thamesmead remains rich in natural resources but they require significant investment to realise their full potential. Our residents have told us that better outcomes for them would mean a safer environment for their children and improved access to a range of opportunities. Our approach in this
area is to work in partnership with residents to respond to the challenges: with a focus on pathways to better economic opportunities and codesigning green spaces. Whilst the population demographic has changed significantly over the years, a strong sense of civic pride remains. With Peabody taking ownership five years ago, Thamesmead’s future is once again in the hands of a single organisation. We’re responsible for 200 acres of developable land and large 1980s estates to be retrofitted for climate resilience. We’ve inherited a mixed legacy with Thamesmead. The glory of the town lies in its natural assets, its expansive river frontage, woods, water bodies, wetlands and Grade 1 heritage. Back in the 1960s, however, ‘connectivity’ 31
