Several more events are planned following the success of two open days held in April at 68 Pier Road Erith, when over 200 local people came along and gave their views on the improvements planned to begin in Erith this year.
Local people can give their views on the Riverside Gardens improvements at two more consultation events, that will be held as part of the Erith Kitchen, at Pier Road on Friday 14 June 4pm–9pm and Friday 12 July 4pm–9pm. There is no need to pre-register for these – simply turn up on the day. An online survey is also available for community input into the refreshed Riverside Gardens in Erith.
Cllr Louie French, Bexley’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth said: “The support of the local community is essential to help Erith become a vibrant riverside town again. Its’s important to us that we get the input of local people at an early stage and that we ensure the improvements benefit everyone’.
‘That’s why we’re running lots of different consultation events and have commissioned the specialists Groundwork to help us run the co-design and engagement process for the Riverside Gardens, and GCDA, who helped us deliver the open days at 68 Pier Road. There will be lots more opportunities to tell us what you think and you can always contact us via the Greater Erith website.”
Daniel Brittle, Community Programme Manager, Groundwork London said: “We’re delighted to be working with London Borough of Bexley to reach out to the community and find out what residents, businesses and community groups would like from the Riverside Gardens. We’re looking forward to hearing the creative suggestions that residents come up with.”
Residents can fill out the survey online www.greatererith.com/riversidegardens and community groups will also be invited to give their views at a Riverside Gardens Ideas Forum in May. There’ll also be the chance to get involved in outdoor activities celebrating Erith such as wellbeing walks and heritage talks. The details of which will be publicised on the Greater Erith website.
The Improvements proposed to start in 2019 will be funded with £1.6m the Council secured from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund.
As well as the upgrade of the Riverside Gardens, improvements include bringing Units 66 and 68 Pier Road, that have stood empty for some years, back into use and securing the long-term future of 70 Pier Road. Funding will also be used to support business start-ups by providing new office space in the town centre to showcase their products and services and the pedestrianised area on Erith High Street will be brightened up.
The improvements will build on previous regeneration work funded by the Council and the Mayor through their partnership project, the ‘Greater Erith Programme’. This includes the upgraded public areas at Erith Station and the soon to be renovated public space at the entrance to Erith Pier, as well as the renovation of the Carnegie Library building.
Find out more about the planned improvements and tell us what you think at www.greatererith.com or follow Greater Erith on Facebook and Twitter.