The River Stort Water Space Strategy was prepared by British Waterways and Lathams Architects on behalf of Harlow Renaissance. The study covers a five mile section of the River Stort Navigation, from Roydon Mill to Harlow Mill.
The River Stort is located to the North of Harlow and forms a natural boundary between Harlow and East Hertfordshire. It is, however, isolated from the Town - being separated by the A414 Edinburgh Way, the West Anglia railway line and some significant industrial / employment uses - and poor connectivity exists between the two.
Harlow Renaissance wanted therefore to explore possible interventions to realise aspirations for the River to become a significant leisure destination, and to truly enliven the River environment.
The aim of the Waterspace Strategy is to encourage positive change and promote imaginative and appropriate ideas that will enhance the waterspace. It also aims to promote better access for all and aid the creation of a sustainable long term vision for the River Stort Navigation.
The Waterspace Strategy explores the following key themes:
- Infrastructure, access and connectivity
- Image, brand and identity
- Ecology, landscape and conservation
- Leisure, health and well-being
- Education, skills and training
Whilst the ideas contained in the Waterspace Strategy include some ambitious concepts, it also provides a mix of practical, robust solutions, such as improved towpath surfacing and widening where appropriate.
The Strategy identifies that considerable potential exists for increasing pedestrian links to the wider countryside, and for creating new links from the Town Centre. It also identifies the opportunity for re-branding and upgrading the River Stort, including new way-finding and information panels and a palette of complementary waterside furniture, from litter bins to mooring bollards.
More visionary suggestions presented in the Strategy include an international quality pedestrian bridge, to re-connect the river to the Town Park and beyond, and a Health and Wellbeing Centre, with links to the Harlow Outdoor Pursuits Centre, at Burnt Mill. It also suggests that new off-line moorings would help animate the water space along with timber pontoons to give easier access to the river for small boats, canoes and disabled water users.
To view The River Stort Waterspace Strategy in PDF format, please click here.