Jubilee Pond at Wanstead Flats to be redeveloped

Jubilee Pond at Wanstead Flats is to undergo redevelopment under new plans announced by the City of London Corporation.

The Metropolitan Police will be contributing £170,000 to the cause through a compensation package for its temporary Olympic base on the site.

A further £80,000 will come from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This will be spent on landscaping.

The City of London Corporation is now looking into what it can do to contribute to the project.

Jubilee Pond was once a popular amenity for residents living around Wanstead Flats in the London borough of Redbridge, with model boats frequently being sailed on the water.

But over the years it fell into a state of disrepair and lost its ability to retain water.

Locals, it seems, are keen to bring the pond back to its former glory. When asked during a 2011 consultation how they would like to spend the Met Police's compensation money, they voted for Jubilee Pond improvements over other regeneration projects.

Paul Thomson, superintendent at Epping Forest, said it is hoped that work will begin early next year.

"We are very pleased with how plans are going so far and are confident the improvements to the pond will benefit the local community," he remarked.

People looking for property to rent in Wanstead, or any of the other areas surrounding Wanstead Flats, such as Leytonstone, Aldersbrook and Forest Gate, will also be able to enjoy the pond once it is redeveloped.

The City of London Corporation said that as well as reinforcing the clay liner, work will also be carried out to boost public access to Jubilee Pond and improve areas for marginal planting.

Wanstead Flats, which is owned and run by the City of London, sits at the southern end of Epping Forest and is used by residents for a variety of recreational activities, such as football, horse riding, cricket, jogging and cycling.
 

Published 3rd August, 2012

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