REGENERATION IN REDBRIDGE: TURNING VISION INTO REALITY

Redbridge is a vibrant multicultural Borough where 93,000 households choose to live. In the 2001 Census there were nearly 240,000 people living in Redbridge and this is expected to increase to 255,000 by 2008. Nearly 33 per cent of the residents are from minority ethnic communities.

The council's vision is for "Redbridge to be a thriving borough were people want to live, work and invest". The council aims to achieve this through a number of objectives, including the protection and enhancement of the environment and promoting the local economy. In this context, the regeneration of Ilford town centre, and five other town centres in Redbridge, is a key part of delivering the vision.

In May 2002 the council launched 'Progressive Ilford' - a 30-year strategy for the regeneration of Ilford town centre. In launching the vision the council recognised the important role of Ilford as a metropolitan centre in north-east London and its position in the regeneration of the wider Thames Gateway area. What became very clear soon after the launch was the need to 'drive' implementation of the first phase, including the development of 'Unity Square', a new town square at the heart of Ilford town centre. At the same time, it became evident that the vision for Ilford town centre would be driven forward by the strong demand for high-quality residential development amounting to some 5,000 extra dwellings for between 11,000 and 13,000 people.

In just over two years since 'Progressive Ilford' was launched, Ilford town centre has managed to deliver nearly 1,500 new dwellings - and more are on the way! So, what have been the ingredients to attract and sustain this level of developer interest?
Ilford has actually delivered new high-quality housing developments which help meet the mayor of London's and the government's housing targets. It has done this because;

.  There has been cross-party political support for the council's regeneration aspirations
.  The council has exercised its 'community leadership' role effectively by leading on the marketing and promotion of the borough's achievements in social care, education, leisure and economic development
.  Working in close and effective partnership with town-centre businesses
.  Setting up a small team within the council to 'drive' implementation
.  Underpinning the regeneration agenda by consultation with all sections of the community. In just over two years, some 80 consultation events at a cost of about £100,000 have been held
.  Engaging all members of the council through a series of informal briefings and visits
.  Not underestimating the importance of underpinning regeneration with a strong community and public-transport infrastructure.

'Progressive Ilford' is an ambitious plan for creating a strong, vibrant and thriving town centre. It will, hopefully, act as a catalyst for regenerating other equally important town centres in Redbridge. But, if regeneration is to build strong, sustainable communities, it must be underpinned by significant ongoing investment in public transport and community infrastructure.

Councillor Lee Scott Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Community London Borough of Redbridge