Two new seating areas have been recently opened for staff and the local community at Ferry Lane (south) opposite Easter Park

On the 24th October 2024 business owners, Councillors and the Mayor of Havering celebrated the opening of two new public realm amenities which will much improve the use and enjoyment of the Rainham Riverside at Ferry Lane, whilst protecting and enhancing the natural habitats and rich biodiversity that exist in this unusual corner of Rainham.

The Belvedere’, a new, covered seating area, is designed for the local community to enjoy the views over the river Thames, and the Museum of Garden Escapes provides a welcoming environment and place of interest for all visitors, whether on a lunch break from work, dog walking, or cycling/walking the RSPB Rainham Marshes route between Rainham and Purfleet.

Designed by the London Riverside BID to meet local demand from the area’s workforce for usable outdoor spaces.

The two new amenities take their design influence from the rich history of the area, which has seen multiple uses, from pilgrimage hub, to farming, a spot for Victorian pleasure-seekers and eventually the industry we know today.  The Museum of Garden Escapes is located on the historic footprint of the Three Crowns Inn site that dates back to the middle of the 20^th century.  Before this, the Ferry Inn stood here from as early as 1556 and was the landing point for the first ferry across the Thames from Rainham, dating back to 1199 AD and which was used by the Monks of Lesnes Abbey in Erith to transport pilgrims to and from Canterbury Cathedral.

With thanks to our funders, architects and contractors

Working in partnership with Havering Council, we secured the funds from the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) Good Growth Fund and we’ve delivered several complementary public realm initiatives around the Rainham Riverside area, including new crossings and greening of the gateway roundabouts.

Our designers Untitled Practice did a fabulous job of understanding local staff needs and designing something that recalls the areas history and updates the local amenities for future users.

Our contractors Borras Construction brought efficiency, collaboration and attention to detail that have helped bring our vision to life.

Eric Mollison Chairman of the BID stated: “These public realm improvements are a welcome asset to the Rainham employment zone, the businesses and the 1000-striong workforce that operate from here.  We’ve worked hard over several years to secure the funding and commitment needed to make this happen and this demonstrates what can be achieved by working in partnership with the Council and stakeholders such as the GLA”

Jonathan Moreland, Managing Director of the local business MJF Records quoted: “We’re delighted to see these two new spaces, which will provide our staff and visitors with somewhere to sit during lunch and tea breaks.  We’re remote here from any amenities, shops or public transport and I know these facilities will be very well used and appreciated.”

Deputy Mayor for Planning and Regeneration, Jules Pipe CBE, said: “I welcome the opening of the Museum of Garden Escapes and the Belvedere, delivered as part of the Rainham SIL project in Havering. The Mayor’s Good Growth funding has been a catalyst for a wider programme of public realm improvements that address the needs of local businesses and their workforce at the same time as protecting and enhancing the green spaces and biodiversity in London’s industrial areas, contributing to building a greener, fairer, and more prosperous city for all.”

Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development, added: “Significant work has taken place to improve this part of the BID area along Ferry Lane which is remote from shops, residences and transport and will enhance the environment for all of the people that work in the area or visit it.

 “We are committed to supporting local communities and this is a further example of how we can access external funding and work together to achieve our goals to improve our borough, as well as demonstrating how we can make these areas more attractive and safer places to live, work, visit and invest.”