RADICAL plans to overhaul swathes of the borough have been given the green light after the multi-billion pound Crossrail scheme was approved by the coalition government.
Up to 2,000 new homes, retail space and community facilities will be created as investors snap up disused land around the four Redbridge railway stations – Ilford, Seven Kings, Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath – which will be part of Crossrail’s route.
An action plan devised by Redbridge Council bosses reveals a vision to make full use of the opportunities the �15.9billion rail network – which travels from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east – will bring to Redbridge.
Cllr Nick Hayes, cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: “Crossrail delivers a fantastic opportunity for us to develop and shape growth in these areas.
“The stretch of High Road spanning three town centres has many under-used, rundown and vacant sites, and faces several challenges including poor access to open space, housing need and increasing requirements for new and improved social and community infrastructure.
“The Area Action Plan seeks to rejuvenate the overall character and quality of the High Road.”
A minimum of 1,500 homes is likely to be built in areas along High Road, as well as around Seven Kings and Goodmayes, where Crossrail is set to leave its footprint.
Some of the key proposals, which have been out to consultation, include:
l The removal of the mini roundabout by Seven Kings station, with traffic being controlled by traffic lights.
l Provision of a new primary school of at least four forms.
l New GP practices created in High Road.
l The creation of on-street parking spaces for a car club.
l Improved pedestrian access to Chadwell Heath station.
l Ilford station will be completely rebuilt and Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath stations upgraded.
Chief planning and regeneration officer Chris Berry said: “We are the only borough taking advantage of Crossrail.
“There is huge potential for development and we are preparing ourselves.”
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