Green Infrastructure for Rochdale Borough in Greater Manchester (Part 1 of 2) Francis Hesketh CMLI CEnv Partner, TEP.

Green Infrastructure for Rochdale Borough in Greater Manchester (Part 1 of 2)

Francis Hesketh CMLI CEnv

Partner, TEP

Study Objectives:

1.What does Green Infrastructure mean for Greater Manchester?

2.“Route-map” for the City Region to implement GI

Why?• We have to (policy obligation in RSS and NGP)

• We need to (to effectively deliver key functions & deal with growth blockers (MAA & GM Strategic Plan))

• The “2025 world-class city” vision requires a collaborative approach to GI

• Case studies elsewhere e.g. London / New York emphasise that partnership working is critical – “Its Infrastructure, Stupid!”

We will make our cities sustainable by a few major projects and a thousand and one small changesFrom Low S. Sustainable Cities

Image © CABE

“Growth-support” functions of Green Infrastructure in GM

1. Flood risk management & climate

change adaptation

2. Ecological framework

3. Sustainable movement (multi-user

routes)

4. Sense of place

5. River & canal corridor management

6. Positive image & setting for growth

7. Supporting urban regeneration

8. Supporting communities, health and

enjoyment

Jobs & ProsperityTourism, Leisure, Image, Inward Investment, Gateways, Healthier workers, Flood-proofing town centres

Every Child MattersHealthier lifechoices, Sport, Environmental Education

Community SafetyHealthier communities, more volunteers, better looked-after places

Cleaner Greener EnvironmentParks & Open Spaces, Access to the Countryside, Volunteering, Biodiversity, Landscape Quality

Health & WellbeingSport, Leisure, Mental Stress relief

LIFE

PLACE

ENVIRONMENT

Quality

Case study 1: River Quaggy, Lewisham, London

• River flows 35% in culvert, 39% in “concrete canal”

• Flooding affected development potential and land values downstream

• Lewisham Town Centre vulnerable

• Traditional engineered solutions to flood defence required maintenance and had delivered one function at the expense of many others

• Local revolt against engineered solutions – Quaagy Waterways Action Group

Case study 1: River Quaggy, Lewisham, London

• Sutcliffe Park was a “typical green desert” park – Quaggy flowed in culvert underneath

• Regeneration and health issues

• QWAG /Environment Agency used Flood alleviation scheme money to create flood storage washlands in Sutcliffe Park instead

Left: 2003 before restoration

Below: 2004, then 2007

Economic Benefits: Lower cost flood defences. More flood storage. Increased development potential and town centre flood-proofing

Health Benefits: More use of park:

Biodiversity Benefits:

Community Cohesion Benefits: Active Civic group

Regional Centre and Inner Areas

River Quaggy

Regional Park Opportunity

East London Green Grid

Regional Centre & Inner Areas

Case study A: Pennine Edge Forest

• Belfield Urban Forest was underused greenspace in the River Roch Valley

• Close to HMR area and existing deprived communities

• NEWLANDS and SUSTRANS schemes

• January 2008 flood storage protected town centre

Case study A: Pennine Edge Forest

• Natural Signposting Project in Kirkholt (interwar estate with over supply of green space)

• Connections to Rochdale Canal & Tandle Hill Park

• South Rochdale Forest Trail

Transforming Estates

Priory Green (Peabody Trust, London)

• M62

• DUN Land,

• Flood Issues

• Biodiversity & Cultural Heritage

• Deprivation Issues

• Close to HMR / Growth Point

Case study B: Irwell Valley

Case study B: Irwell Valley

Case study C: Littleton Road Playing Fields – Flood Attenuation Basin in the Irwell Valley, Salford

• Existing Playing Fields

• Flood bunds and environmental improvements

• 1:75 Flood risk protection to Housing market Renewal Area

• January 2008 floods – the basin protected 6500 homes

• Increase in investor confidence

Case study D: Irwell City Park

• Cross-boundary (Salford, Trafford, Manchester)

• Environmental and waterfront improvements

• New leisure, tourism and business destination

• GI delivered thro’ public realm/ greenstreets/ new waterside access

• Contiguous with Croal Irwell Regional Park

• Strong brand attractive to investors

• Good delivery model