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.
