BRITISH WATERWAYS RESTORATION/REGENERATION IN CAMDEN. LONDON

1.  INTRODUCTION TO CTU AND RELATIONSHIP TO BRITISH WATERWAYS

  Camden Town Unlimited is a Business Improvement District (BID) representing over 300 businesses in Camden Town. We were mandated by the businesses via a vote in February 2006 to deliver a five year regeneration programme with the aim of improving Camden Town as a commercial district.

  Our regeneration remit includes delivering projects to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and to improve the quality of the public realm and urban fabric through physical landscaping projects, conservation projects and working with the Local Authority and other key stakeholders on the long term strategy for the built environment.

  As a significant stakeholder in the area (the Regent's Canal runs through the heart of Camden Town and is one of our most attractive landscaping assets) British Waterways was actively involved in both the development of the BID (2004 onwards) and have subsequently accepted a place on the Board and voluntarily funded projects that have supported the BID. British Waterways have been a proactive member of the Board, often leading the regeneration agenda, and our successful partnership have led to the successful completion of a number of projects which have significantly benefited the residents, businesses and visitors in Camden Town.

2.  SPECIFIC PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN

Regents Canal Lighting project

  In 2004, British Waterways, Camden Town Unlimited and London Borough of Camden undertook a heritage lighting project, which sought to re-connect the footpath with users and significantly upgrade the night-time experience for visitors to the towpath. This project included a range of physical measure including new lighting, landscaping works and community safety patrols/maintenance works, including graffiti removal.

  The high quality heritage nature environment and the listed status of many of the buildings adjacent to the towpath canal meant the new equipment units, including lighting units, had to be carefully selected to ensure they complimented and enhance the existing environment. This involved the selection of high spec units more expensive than standard, a cost which British Waterways funded. It also involved careful consultation with businesses and residents within and around the project site. This was completed to a high level and to the satisfaction of all involved.

  The project was completed at a cost of £250,000 and was widely commended, selected as the Association of Town Centre Managers (ATCM) "Project of the Year" (London region). Footpath usage has increased significantly and one of the most satisfying elements of the project is that mothers and children from a local school now feel able to use the towpath at night as a viable alternative to a longer walk along roads.

  Going forward, we have a number of other projects being discussed, aimed at increasing pedestrian traffic on the waterways and improving the quality of the canal environment. We have found British Waterways to be a very useful partner and are delighted with the high standard of the regeneration projects they have undertaken and the expediency with which they were delivered.

  I hope you consider our views on this matter.

Camden Town Unlimited

March 2008