Royal Docks Corridor Summer 2021 Engagement Report

The Royal Docks Team is happy to share the 'Our Newham Streets' report. The report details the consultation and work done with community groups to get their views and input on the Royal Docks Corridor.

The Royal Docks Corridor (RDC) is a strategic route including Silvertown Way, from Canning Town Station to the Silvertown Viaduct and North Woolwich Road, connecting to Connaught Bridge and London City Airport. The road was initially built to serve the industrial and commercial activity of the docks; however, the neighbourhoods around it have since become increasingly residential, and its layout is no longer fit for purpose.

The ambition is to transform this major traffic-dominated road into a vibrant high street, serving new and existing communities and a variety of uses, both residential and commercial. The proposals include narrowing the carriageway, introducing segregated cycle lanes, redesigning junctions, and crossings to improve pedestrian safety, and enhancing greening and public realm along the route. These interventions will rebalance the road in favour of pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging active frontages and street activation, as well as improving access and connections to public transport, local parks, and amenities, such as the docks and the Thames path.

The London Borough of Newham (LBN), working in partnership with the Royal Docks Team (RDT), has developed concept designs and engaged communities throughout the Summer of 2021. The engagement included an online survey, printed leaflets distributed to all households, online drop-in sessions, an event in Thames Barrier Park, and interactive walkarounds in the area with community groups.

The survey attracted 185 responses, including 572 free-text comments providing more detailed feedback. A complete analysis of these responses and comments is available to view in the Engagement Report and its Appendices, which can be accessed here [include link].

In general, respondents either strongly supported or supported the scheme’s proposals and objectives, in particular around improving safety (94%), air quality (90%), greening (90%) and local connections (90%).

Responses also included suggestions for specific locations, such as lighting, street furniture, public art opportunities, and activation of underutilised spaces.

In the next design stage, the LBN Highways Team will review all individual comments and take them into account for further development of the scheme.

In the meantime, an initial package of works is being implemented near the new Oasis Academy on North Woolwich Road. The early delivery of this project phase aims to support the opening of the new school in Spring 2022.

For further information on the planned works, or to hear more and to be kept up to date on other projects across the Royal Docks, sign up to our newsletter