Dec 19 2006
Plans to create a vibrant town centre in part of the Thames Gateway regeneration programme have been viewed by Judith Armitt, the new Thames Gateway Chief Executive today.
She visited Erith to see how funding from Communities and Local Government is helping regeneration in the area.
It was the Chief Executive’s first visit to Bexley since taking up her post at the beginning of November.
As part of her trip she took a walking tour of the new Riverside Shopping Centre set to provide major shopping provision for people in the area.
Judith also took a tour of the Erith Western Gateway area with Councillor Ian Clement of Bexley Council as well as visiting the Erith Boathouse.
The Boathouse is part of Bexley’s maritime past, which today hosted an exhibition showing how public art can transform places, giving them a stronger identity. Erith is at the centre of plans to create a Riverside village for the 21st Century, with the potential of creating an exemplar development within the Thames Gateway.
Judith Armitt said:
“We need this sense of ambition for our town centres. The Boathouse is a great symbol of the regeneration of Erith and key to reconnecting the town to the riverside.”
“This is an exciting time for the Thames Gateway with a unique opportunity to create the sort of communities in which we all want to live, work and invest. I welcome the challenge of supporting communities like Bexley to ensure we deliver the jobs, homes, and green spaces that are needed.”
The Chief Executive has been appointed to provide stronger and more visible leadership for the Gateway, and promote engagement by central and regional government, agencies, local organisations and private sector investors.