Hackbridge. The home to BedZED. Opened in 2002 and one of the first EcoHomes in the UK, Hackbridge appeared to be ahead of the times. The area boasts its very own Beddington Park with its picturesque landscape of St Mary’s Church and historical Carew Manor School. All backing onto the River Wandle, the 9 mile waterway that runs through the London boroughs of Croydon, Merton ,and of course Sutton that eventually joins to the famous River Thames. But what’s new for Hackbridge? In January 2009, the ‘Master Plan’ was unveiled, this included proposals for new eco-friendly homes, more shops, leisure and community facilities, promising new jobs and sustainable transport for all. Enhancing the areas appeal and overall feeling, with the hope of making Hackbridge the UK’s greenest suburb. But now 4 years on, what has really been done towards this ‘Eco Masterplan’?
Firstly, upgrading the road bridge that leads from Hackbridge to Wallington was the start of the many improvements needed to be made. Unfortunately, going over schedule and causing utter mayhem for the surrounding area; it did not appear to be a good start. With a slow and gradual finish but final product being undoubtedly impressive.
Continuing by tackling the local housing, this saw the new ultra-modern flats being built along Hackbridge Road heading towards Carshalton and opposite the unsightly and almost derelict site of ‘Fabric Warehouse’. Although the new houses are appealing to the eye, are they appealing to the carbon footprint? The exterior of the building concealed with large wooden slabs and the surrounding gardens looking fairly ‘green’. Nonetheless, is this just a disguise? A disguise that, although may appear eco-friendly, is actually just an attempt to hide the fact that the budget has been underestimated? But still giving the illusion that they are building a ‘sustainable future’. Perhaps, the new so-called EcoHomes are not so eco after all.
Moreover, in the last few years the site next to Hackbridge Primary School, that was once a run-down office, is now a chic and rather appealing workplace and apartment space. The space offers close public transport for both buses and direct trains to Central London and easy access to the number of convenient stores. Yet once more, the whole plan of the eco-village has been lost. My question is, if Hackbridge is set to be the UK’s greenest suburb, why have these long constructions used both cranes and concrete? Surely this is not beneficial to the environment, or the sustainability of the new homes.
However, the question still on all of resident’s lips is what is to fill the empty and clearly abandoned site to the rear of the local primary school? Rumours of fast food chains and large coffee shops appear to be uprising as the residents are left ignorant on what is to be built literally on their doorsteps. Hackbridge is still very much in development. With the ultimate goal of 2025 for ‘Hackbridge Village’ to be completed and all that will eventually entail. Twelve years certainly seems achievable to fulfil the prior goals. So let’s just hope that the future looks greener than it appears to be today.
