Mid-century zero carbon in outer London town centres

There are one to two dozen major town centres in outer London, about half known as metropolitan centres in the London Plan. Most of these have a thorough retail, housing, employment, transport, public realm, park, civic, culture, sport and/or educational offering. This articles contains seven recommendations of how the major and mid-size town centres in the  twenty-one outer boroughs can become carbon neutral whilst meeting opportunities and challenges during the next decade.

Some mid-size town centres may have the potential to expand into major zero carbon town centres, particularly in the eastern boroughs, some with substantial brownfield land. But only if they can also provide an outstanding retail, public realm, parks, transport, amenities etc offering. A small number of new mid-size town centres may also appear; Silvertown, Barking Riverside, Meridian Waters included. The recommendations are also valid for major and (fast) growing town centres elsewhere in England.

Mid-century zero carbon outer town centres

The outer London major and mid-size town centres have a great future ahead of them, and more so if each borough targets one or two for intensification within a one mile radius area. With particular focus on increasing housing diversity, transport U-turn, ground floor flexibility, upper floor residential intensification, as well as public realm renaissance. With dedicated support and grants from the Mayor of London and TfL for the thirty-odd (potential) major outer town centres.

At the same time, turning the twenty-one outer boroughs carbon neutral by commissioning 150 10MB offshore wind turbines annually for fifteen years to supply half of the total energy needed within the outer boroughs; transport, heating, cooling, construction and production included.

The long term aim is to increase population, employment, activities, amenities and service densities within a one mile radius of the town centres/stations. Where more people work, study, retail, exercise, recreate and travel locally by e-/bike – by adults, the elderly and the young included. Including by frequent zero carbon orbital commutes by e-/bike, rail and/or tram. This will provide a comprehensive choice of work, education, retail, sports and leisure opportunities, within and between the twenty- one outer London boroughs.

Planning in London

Mid-century zero carbon in outer London town centres (4p pdf)

Bridging Zero Carbon & Active London

The expansion of inner London eastwards since the 1980s, together with the ongoing pandemic, is gradually shifting the commuting patterns of the city. E-cycling and public transport will revolutionise orbital journeys between the twenty-one outer boroughs, including between two dozen major town centres. This article sets out 11 proposals for bridging London better together, both across the river Thames, as well as 'bridging' the outer boroughs of the city better together. Improving mental and physical health as well as eliminating the reliance on the motor car in favour of zero carbon active travel, E-bikes included, for local, commuter, education, retail and leisure journeys.

One of five pre-fab suspension swing bridges, with a single bike/bus, tram,
train or DLR track in centre, with wide pavements/biketracks on either side.

Set out below are various proposals that allow for extensions of the DLR in the north and east; the Overground in the east, southwest and northwest; the Tramlink in the east; as well as a new Heathrow & West London tramlink. At places such as the Greenwich peninsula and at Dartford/Tilbury/Gravesend, either a tram or a DLR will be provided; between Raynes Park and Kingston either a tram or an Overground.

Outer borough town centres will be pedestrian, (E-)cycling, e- cargo bike and public transport first, second, third and forth respectively, with the car as fifth. Suburban inhabitants within ½– 1½ miles of town centres, will typically cycle – using own, E-bike, shared bike, or (shared) e-cargo-bike. Benefitting and enhancing mental and physical health and well being. With only 1 to 3 return local car journeys per households per week, typically for once or twice a week shopping, day or weekend trips.

Mid-century zero carbon & active travel revolution

Together, the above eleven proposals will allow 99 per cent of Londoners to favour E-cycling, cycling, walking and public transport for 99 per cent of intra-London journeys. Throughout the twenty-one outer London boroughs, the share of car use for all journeys will decrease to levels seen in inner London – local, commuting, education, retail, leisure and weekends included. Improving mental and physical health, eliminating carbon emissions, air pollution and noise for all 8½m London inhabitants in all 3½m households throughout all of London's 32 boroughs – all car households and all households along all major roads included. Benefitting present generation and future generation Londoners alike, up to and beyond the middle of the century.

• Planning in London
• Bridging Zero Carbon & Active London (3p pdf)