Urban river restoration and social cohesion:  EU LIFE Environment QUERCUS project

Paul Chapman  (London Borough of Lewisham - paul.chapman@lewisham.gov.uk)

Alison Taylor  (London Borough of Lewisham)

Proceedings paper from the 10th Annual River Restoration Centre Network Conference, 1st - 2nd April 2009

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Abstract

The concept of Designing Out Crime has influenced the design of ‘hard’ housing and structural developments since the 1960’s. The EU LIFE Environment funded QUERCUS Project tested the transferability of the existing methodologies into a totally new area – ‘soft’ urban river corridors, in order to address the underuse of urban open space resources due to crime and the fear of crime.

It is immediately obvious that some of the measures recommended by Designing Out Crime practise such as clear lines of sight, specifically designated functions for open area, CCTV and controllable access points could not be transferred wholesale to an urban river and its surrounding green spaces without impacting on biodiversity. However, it is clear that there are significant principles that can be adapted and enhanced. Hotspots can be easily identified and actions focussed and prioritised, and the informal social control techniques that contribute to successful public spaces are particularly applicable.

The delivery of demonstration projects in the three partner cities gave the opportunity to practically test what worked, what didn’t and what needed to be added. Baseline surveys showed a remarkably common set of problems; only 40% of users felt safe; their complaints included anti-social behaviour, dogs, litter and graffiti and poorly maintained areas with overgrown, dark and dangerous footpaths and access points.

In response, entrances to the open spaces in the river corridors were widened, signposted and where necessary de-cluttered, which in some cases meant the removal of trees. Barriers preventing access to the river were also removed ensuring that water became a part of the accessible space. Facilities which provided services or leisure opportunities, and gave people a reason to be in the space, were introduced or improved.

While all of these had an impact on transforming the physical surroundings they would have resulted in little or no overall change to the fear of crime without the engagement and involvement of the local communities. Schoolchildren’s lessons on the water cycle involved wading in the river; volunteer residents and local youth took part in river clean up days and in turn brought their peers and parents along to see “their” river. The adults, seeing the transformation of a park, the connectivity of riverside spaces and the rebuilding of historic landmarks began to revisit and reclaim the area. Membership of local ‘Friends of…’ groups dramatically increased, families stayed and picnicked in the newly accessible and safe areas, the local community organised Fun Days and events, and nearly 80% of people now feel safe or very safe.

Keywords

Designing Out Crime; social cohesion; urban river corridor; community involvement; community engagement