Project to deliver sustainable communities lauded as top landscape scheme in the UK
20 November 2008
A project to tackle the effects of climate change and produce sustainable communities in east London was today recognised as the top landscape architecture scheme in the country.
The East London Green Grid (ELGG) took the President’s Award as the profession’s top scheme at the Landscape Institute Awards. It also won the Strategic Landscape Planning Award. Geographer and BBC journalist Nicolas Crane hosted the awards in London, which showcased the industry’s most innovative and successful schemes.
The London Development Agency’s (LDA) Design for London oversaw the project which aims to create a network of multi-functional and high quality open spaces that connect with town centres, public transport hubs, the Thames and major employment and residential areas.
The project, launched in November 2007, aims to ensure that the regeneration of east London delivers sustainable communities that lead to an improved quality of life for its residents long after the 2012 Games. It divides east London into six Green Grids for which each has its own plan. Partners in the project include the East London boroughs, Thames Gateway London Partnership, the Environment Agency and Natural England.
President of the Landscape Institute Neil Williamson said: “The East London Green Grid goes beyond the normal boundaries of landscape planning. It represents a coming of age both for the profession and for London itself. There is an unbroken golden thread from vision to strategy to area frameworks and projects.
We received a record number of entries this year and out of this quantity has come real quality. From the restoration of Heaton Park in Manchester to the development of Liverpool city centre to the regeneration of the former Avenue Coking Works near Chesterfield, they represent the outstanding depth and variety of work practices are carrying out across the country. “
Peter Bishop, Group Director for Design, Development and Environment at the London Development Agency, said: "The LDA is delighted that the East London Green Grid has been recognised by these awards. This project aims to build on the existing landscape of East London to reinforce local character and bring about environmental improvements that will benefit local residents and communities, as well as help to protect against the impact of climate change.
"The LDA is working with partners to plan, deliver and connect the living network of open spaces and natural landscapes. We have developed policy and spatial frameworks and alongside our landscape advisors, we are now supporting the delivery of over 100 Green Grid projects across East London."
The awards comprised 15 categories in 2008, including landscape design, planning, science and research with 38 entries recognised as winners, highly commended or commended. Overseas winners include New Providence Wharf in Ontario and a development along the Haihe river in China.
Hampshire County Council received the Peter Youngman Awardin recognition of its outstanding commitment to landscape and design over many years.
The awards are presented to encourage and recognise outstanding examples of work by the landscape profession and aim to bring greater awareness of the best contributions from Landscape Institute members in creating an improved environment. The awards aim to promote the art and science of landscape architecture, advance the knowledge and understanding of the discipline and to celebrate professional expertise.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Landscape Institute is the professional body and regulator for landscape architecture. Under its Royal Charter the Landscape Institute is charged with protecting, conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment for the benefit of the public.
