Wood Wharf consultation: just the beginning!

During the public consultation we asked local people to give us their views and overall impression of the masterplan. We have received over 200 comments. This is what you told us:

Retail
You would like to see opening hours after 8pm, specialist stores and a farmers market, with small independent pubs, bars and restaurants. It was strongly felt that independent traders would make the area ‘different to Canary Wharf’ and that there is no need to replicate the ‘named’ shops that can already be found there.
“Separate parking for shoppers – don’t let office workers who can afford it dominate the parking spaces”
“The retail should reflect the needs of the “average resident in
Tower Hamlets”
 “Shop rents need to be affordable”
“A marketplace would give the area a real identity – like Borough”

Open space
95% of respondents supported our proposals for a Community Park. On water space, you told us the sailing club is booked out every weekend until summer 2009, and there is a need for small boat moorings – but the development has the potential to
be ‘fantastic’.
“The south facing dockside area with places to sit, eat and
drink is good”
“Most important to have areas for wildlife to flourish / have green corridor links with other areas”

Housing
58% of you felt affordable housing was an important part of the development. Concerns were expressed about how ‘affordable’ the development could be.
“Ensure the social housing is managed by a local housing association with a strong community ethos”
“Make them [the homes] good quality”

Community
You said a multi-purpose facility is desperately needed, suggesting a greater emphasis on the arts, combined with a range of things to occupy young people and childcare facilities to serve the local community (not the workforce).
“Wood Wharf could be the first to have a culture centre to bring people from all backgrounds”
“There needs to be something for children aged 13 and over to do”

Transport and access
The majority of respondents rated the pedestrian (76%) and wheelchair (56%) access of the new development to be good or very good. However, you said the bus service was inadequate; badly linked (no stop at any tube station), irregular, too small and the route too long.
The site needs to be fully accessible for disabled people.
“Water taxis would be a good idea”
“Good to see new public walkways along the canal”.

Moving forwards, we will be exploring ideas and options for a local market, health care facility, culture venue and water based activities. We will feedback to you via this website and through future newsletters.

We intend to consult further on the Community Park and facilities for the park as well as design of buildings and landscaping. Please contact us if you would like to be involved in this process.