A COMBINED effort has seen a green corridor to aid well-being open alongside a London waterway.
The Southall Wellbeing Way is a combined park and wetland area, linked with towpaths to improve access to a series of green spaces in the area.
The canal towpaths and linked green spaces between Spikes Bridge Park and Glade Lane Canalside Park have been transformed over the last two years.
The project has been delivered by the Canal & River Trust, Ealing Council, housing association Peabody, Ealing Council’s Sport England National Lottery funded Let’s Go Southall project and supported by the Mayor of London’s Green and Resilient Spaces Fund.
The Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban and Deirdre Costigan MP, who was at the opening, said: “I’m delighted to see this inspiring project helping the local community to get outside, get active and connect with nature. This is one of 10 projects supported by the Mayor’s Green and Resilient Spaces Fund and I want to congratulate all involved in making this project happen as we continue building a fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.”
A new community garden in the old lock keeper’s cottage grounds at Norwood Bottom Lock was also opened as part of the project, which also included a new wetland in Glade Lane Canalside Park and a new community garden. Ros Daniels, regional director for Canal & River Trust, said: “We’ve been delighted to work with our partners to be able to make a real difference to the well-being of the local community. The new towpath is providing better access for everybody so the canal can be enjoyed in all weathers and we can see the difference this has made by the numbers of people now using the towpath.
“We know how important the canal and green spaces are for people in Southall to take a breath, take time out and enjoy quality time with friends and family, as well as being active and outside. Seeing the project develop and deliver the new habitats has been so exciting, and watching the Southall community get involved to create and care for the new gardens and wildlife habitat along the canal is something really special.”
The Southall Wellbeing Way is a green corridor that wraps around Southall, connecting the Grand Union Canal and a chain of nearby green spaces, allowing local people to step away from the urban streets and connect with nature.
Deirdre Costigan MP, Member of Parliament for Ealing Southall and former Deputy Leader of Ealing Council and Cabinet Member for climate action said: “I was excited to be part of starting this and delighted to now see it completed. The outdoor activities and health benefits will be felt by everyone, and I look forward to seeing the use of these facilities grow and the offer expand as more people get involved.”
Councillor Blerina Hashani, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “The new community garden is a fantastic example of the community coming together to share their passion about the environment. Through Let’s Go Southall and working with the Canal & River Trust, we can continue to give the community access to much-needed green spaces and nature.”
Sahil Khan, director of community strategy, partnerships and funding for Peabody, said: “It has been fantastic to see local residents come together to shape this project from start to finish. We’ve seen firsthand the difference that improving access to the canal and linking up green spaces can make – it’s not just about having a nicer environment, but about creating thriving, biodiverse spaces where people feel welcome and can enjoy spending time. It’s been a real pleasure to work alongside the community and our partner organisations to make this happen, and we hope to see local people enjoying the benefits and nurturing these new spaces long into the future.”
