Local Authorities

A call to action for local authorities to support the refresh process

The Thames is a shared responsibility, and its future depends on collaborative action. By supporting a Thames Strategy Refresh, local authorities can help secure a more resilient, sustainable, and vibrant Thames for generations to come.

The Joint Thames Strategy Refresh is a project currently underway that aims to update and improve the existing Thames Strategies in each borough, a decade on. The London plan suggests that boroughs are encouraged to carry out appraisal, Thames Policy Area designation and policy and strategy formulation in collaboration with other boroughs, and relevant stakeholders. Joint strategies provide a good sub-regional context in which decisions relating to the planning and management of the river can be set. Furthermore, all the strategies are supported by the key regional/national stakeholders. The Mayor encourages all the relevant boroughs to participate in the strategies and for the boroughs between Vauxhall Bridge and Tower Bridge to take a similar sub-regional overview of their high profile stretch of the Thames.

Our aim in this first stage of the project is to explore the benefits of this approach and understand how we can best execute the delivery of cross-borough-boundary, joint strategies that are fit for purpose against current and future expectations as outlined in TE2100.

With the boroughs engaged in a collaborative refresh process, we feel we will have developed a platform to support the delivery of resilient plans into each borough

Refresh Goals

Align with TE2100

Refresh existing Strategies

Align with TE2100

The refresh will ensure the strategies are consistent with the latest Thames Estuary 2100 (TE2100) plan, which addresses flood risk management in the context of climate change.

Bridge Gaps

Refresh existing Strategies

Align with TE2100

The project aims to develop strategies for the currently missing sections between Chelsea and Tower Bridge, and the Thames Estuary below Gravesend.

Refresh existing Strategies

This involves updating the three existing strategies (Thames Landscape Strategy Weybridge to Kew, Thames Strategy Kew to Chelsea, Thames Strategy East) to reflect current needs and challenges.

Support Development

Refresh existing Strategies

The updated strategies will help local authorities and other planning bodies create their own Riverside Strategies, aiming for implementation by 2030.

The JTS Refresh will follow a thorough assessment and update of the existing JTS, building on the extensive work already undertaken. The refresh process will evolve and enhance current strategies to new horizons. The refresh will follow a thorough engagement process with not only partners, but all who seek to have a say in the sustainable development and future of the Thames. Partner engagement will leverage existing partnership structures, with designated officers acting as information conduits within their organisations.

Collaborative Development: The strategies are built through continuous consultation with the community and partners, ensuring their input shapes not just the initial phases, but also future project delivery. Cross-borough collaboration and knowledge sharing will be at the heart of delivering a refined and far-reaching joint Thames strategy.

Broad Support: These are apolitical strategies, supported from both leadership and opposition parties, along with everyone in between. This avoids creating plans that face significant resistance.

Stakeholder Engagement: The strategies prioritise ongoing stakeholder involvement. Education, open discussions, and addressing community concernsand opportunities are central to building broad support.

Multi-Purpose Handbooks: The strategies act as comprehensive handbooks for the river from Surrey to sea. They cater to a variety of groups such as those seeking historical context, community groups needing guidance on project ideas, and planning inspectors requiring wider context for applications.

Unified Framework: The Joint Thames Strategies serve as an umbrella document and unified support mechanism, envisioned as a single book with the strategies as 'chapters'. Each strategy remains independent and valuable, but interwoven threads ensure cohesive cross-river partnerships with a shared vision.

Benefits to local authorities

Boosted Environmental Resilience

A healthy Thames ecosystem is crucial for both environmental and economic well-being. The JTS Refresh promotes measures like improved water quality, creation of new green spaces, and sustainable development practices to enhance the river's natural environment and biodiversity.

Enhanced Flood Protection

Boosted Environmental Resilience

The JTS Refresh prioritises strengthening and adapting existing flood defences, exploring innovative nature-based solutions, and implementing long-term planning strategies to ensure the Thames remains resilient in the face of climate change.

Unlocked Economic Potential

Empowered vibrant communities

The JTS Refresh is not just about environmental protection; it also aims to unlock economic opportunities along the Thames. By supporting regeneration projects, attracting sustainable businesses, and creating new job opportunities, the strategy can contribute to economic growth and prosperity in riverside communities.

Empowered vibrant communities

The Thames is a central feature of our cultural identity and community life. The JTS Refresh offers a sense of ownership and pride by creating attractive public spaces, promoting cultural activities, and encouraging engagement with the river. This fosters stronger connections between people and their local environment.

How to Support

Cost to the Boroughs

The strategy refresh process costs are covered by the project. The cost to the borough is in time resource only. Whilst we appreciate that in current climates that is precious. We are offering a huge return on that investment, with a community driven, expert led delivery of a more resilient future that works for the Thames as a whole, whilst being tailored to your own patch.

Dedicate key Personal

Allocate dedicated staff time and resources to participate in the JTS Refresh working groups and decision-making processes. We will be reaching out to discuss your ability to provide resources and understand how we can work together efficiently and effectively.

Share Local Expertise

Contribute your unique knowledge and understanding of your local area to inform the development and implementation of the strategy.

Champion the initiative

Advocate for the JTS Refresh within your authority and engage with local communities to raise awareness and garner support.

What could it mean for your department?

Flood Risk

Enhanced Protection: The strategy prioritizes strengthening flood defences and implementing innovative solutions, reducing flood risk and protecting communities within the borough's jurisdiction. This translates to reduced costs associated with flood damage and emergency response, improving overall resilience.
Informed Planning: The JTS Refresh incorporates the latest climate change projections, enabling flood risk departments to make informed decisions regarding flood defence upgrades and preparedness measures.
Collaboration: The strategy fosters collaboration with other stakeholders, allowing for sharing best practices, accessing wider resources, and coordinating efforts for more effective flood risk management across the Thames.

Planning

Flood Risk

Strategic Framework: The JTS Refresh provides a comprehensive framework for incorporating flood risk management, environmental considerations, and economic development goals into local planning decisions, ensuring a cohesive and sustainable approach.
Regeneration Opportunities: The strategy informs regeneration projects along the Thames, ensuring they are flood-resilient, contribute to environmental improvements, and support economic growth within the borough.
Public Engagement: The emphasis on community involvement aligns with planning departments' goals of promoting public participation in shaping the future of their local areas.

Parks, Paths and Open Spaces

New Green Spaces: The JTS Refresh prioritizes the creation of new parks and green spaces along the Thames, providing valuable opportunities for parks, paths and open spaces teams to contribute to the strategy's goals.
Improved Environment: Measures like enhancing water quality and promoting sustainable practices directly benefit parks and open spaces teams in managing and maintaining healthy green spaces along the river.
Community Engagement: The strategy encourages activities and events in these new green spaces, potentially increasing footfall and engagement with parks,boosting community well-being and park usage.

Regeneration

Parks, Paths and Open Spaces

Sustainable Development: The JTS Refresh's focus on sustainable practices aligns with the goals of regeneration agencies, promoting environmentally friendly development projects along the Thames.
Economic Opportunities: The strategy supports attracting sustainable businesses and creating new job opportunities, which directly benefits regeneration departments working to revitalize areas along the river.
Placemaking: The emphasis on creating attractive public spaces and fostering vibrant communities contributes to placemaking efforts, making the Thames a more desirable location for businesses and residents.

What's happening Next

In June 2024, we will be presenting the business case for establishing the Thames Strategies Refresh programme. Between now and May 2024, it is vitally important to us to understand what delivery looks like to boroughs individually and how collaboration will empower and enhance the refresh.

Online Survey

We are very keen to understand how boroughs can inform the refresh, what the refresh can achieve for them specifically and what resourcing challenges we can mitigate.

Drop-in Sessions

These will be held over the coming months to help address any questions and to help inform the business case for the refresh programme

Workshops

In certain boroughs, we will be holding more tailored workshops to aid engagement with the refresh and for the project team to deep dive into how we can best deliver results together.

Together, let's ensure the River Thames continues to thrive for generations to come.

A call to action for local authorities to support the refresh process

Refresh Goals

Align with TE2100

Refresh existing Strategies

Align with TE2100

Bridge Gaps

Refresh existing Strategies

Align with TE2100

Refresh existing Strategies

Refresh existing Strategies

Refresh existing Strategies

Support Development

Refresh existing Strategies

Refresh existing Strategies

How are we Designing the JTS Refresh

Benefits to local authorities

Boosted Environmental Resilience

Boosted Environmental Resilience

Boosted Environmental Resilience

Enhanced Flood Protection

Boosted Environmental Resilience

Boosted Environmental Resilience

Unlocked Economic Potential

Empowered vibrant communities

Empowered vibrant communities

Empowered vibrant communities

Empowered vibrant communities

Empowered vibrant communities

How to Support

Cost to the Boroughs

Dedicate key Personal

Share Local Expertise

Champion the initiative

What could it mean for your department?

Flood Risk

Flood Risk

Flood Risk

Planning

Flood Risk

Flood Risk

Parks, Paths and Open Spaces

Parks, Paths and Open Spaces

Parks, Paths and Open Spaces

Regeneration

Parks, Paths and Open Spaces

Parks, Paths and Open Spaces

What's happening Next

Online Survey

Drop-in Sessions

Workshops

Support the Refresh

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