Gateway to host UK’s first eco-region

22 October 2009

Proposals to establish the country’s first eco-quarter in the Thames Gateway have gone out to consultation.

The Thames Gateway is designated an eco-region, and the quarter will demonstrate the standard the Government aspires to achieve throughout the region.

A number of standards have been proposed, including reducing water use and waste, managing flood risk, and creating enhanced bio-diversity parks and green spaces that will encourage modal shift towards cycling and walking. The eco-quarter will be defined as an area of around 2,000 new and existing homes, and where businesses are already established and job creation is possible.

Shahid Malik, Thames Gateway minister, said: ‘The benefits of providing this exemplar of sustainable living will not only benefit people in the Thames Gateway, the benefits will be felt much wider. This eco-quarter will provide inspiration and solutions for people around the country.’

Working towards water neutrality will be an important aim of the eco-quarter. Technologies, such as low-flush toilets and water recycling, will be used to ensure no additional water is needed, even if new homes and business premises are built in the quarter.

A new Environment Agency study reveals that for every £1 invested in water neutrality, £1.40 in savings can be realised through using less water and energy in homes and businesses.

Once the eco-quarter criteria has been defined, local authorities will be invited to bid for the quarter to be in their borough. The successful bid can then apply for up to £150,000 revenue funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), to help develop and deliver their concept. The consultation, which is open to all local authorities, developers and builders, residents and delivery bodies in the Thames Gateway, closes on 8 January 2010.

• Thames Gateway eco-quarter consultation

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