From Hertfordshire to the heart of east London in a hop, step and a jump

Former British triple jumper and world record holder Jonathan Edwards CBE, officially opens the new waterside pathway at Bow today. The £2.4million scheme which provides an uninterrupted 28 mile route from Hertfordshire to the heart of east London, was funded by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and delivered by British Waterways, with supporting contributions from the Olympic Delivery Authority, Transport for London, the London Development Agency and Walk London.

The new waterside path – installed under the busy A11 junction at Bow, provides a much safer route for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. Now local people and visitors can travel an unbroken waterside route all the way from Limehouse to Ware and Hertford.

Jonathan Edwards said: ‘With the London 2012 Olympics around the corner Londoners should be encouraged to become more active and take advantage of the many wonderful walking and cycle paths the city has to offer. This project exemplifies the opening up of our untapped waterside routes and I am delighted to be officially opening the path for locals and visitors to enjoy. ‘

Mark Blackwell, British Waterways’ principal project manager said “We’re delighted to be celebrating the opening of this new waterway route. The River Lee Navigation has long been an essential transport link and recreational space in east London. This part of London’s 100-mile waterway network is now safer and more accessible and will be a lasting local asset for people visiting or travelling around this area of east London.”

Julia Brion, senior project manager, London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, explains: “Our new link opens up the treasures of east London creating paths that are no longer on the road to nowhere but reveal its jewels and makes them accessible to all. Getting the towpaths in active and popular use will encourage more people to get to know east London stimulating additional development activity to drive and sustain a waterside renaissance. Improved access and linkages could see a future of restaurants, shops, cafes and other amenities coming together to create a new Camden of the east.”

Peter Andrews, LTGDC, Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Jonathan Edwards, Tony Hales, British Waterways