RIVER RODING HEALTH CORRIDOR
Reframing public realm as infrastructure for preventative care
The River Roding Health Corridor is an innovative, cross-sector initiative in Barking and Dagenham that repositions public realm and landscape as preventative healthcare infrastructure. Delivered in partnership with Connected Places Catapult, Be First, NHS North East London, Care City, Arup and Makower Architects, the project explores how underused riverfront spaces can address significant health inequalities in one of London’s most deprived boroughs.
Focusing on the largely inaccessible yet ecologically rich River Roding, the project reimagines the corridor as a “lung” for Barking Town Centre – establishing a network of blue and green spaces to support physical and mental wellbeing. Through ecological restoration, improved access, and nature-led design, the scheme aims to tackle key challenges such as childhood obesity while enhancing community connection to the river.
Despite being a significant natural asset, sections of the corridor are underused, disconnected from surrounding neighbourhoods
Despite being a significant natural asset, sections of the corridor are underused, disconnected from surrounding neighbourhoods
A test-and-learn programme across three pilot sites trialled targeted interventions including gamified movement, paddlesports, inclusive physical activity, and community-led environmental programmes. These were run by local service user providers: LISA Go Ninja, Elevate Together, London Kayaking School and Street Tag.
In just 12 weeks, the corridor shifted from an overlooked space to active community infrastructure which encouraged healthier behaviours and reached underserved groups:
9.5 million steps recorded
+54% increase in visits to the River Roding
362 people engaged in kayaking
45% SEND participation in targeted programmes
This demonstrates the potential of the built environment to deliver measurable health outcomes and inform future models of sustainable, health-led regeneration.
Location:
Barking, London
Use:
Community
Status:
Phase 1 Trial Complete
Size:
n/a
Client:
Funded by Connected Places Catapult
Project Date:
2025-2026
Collaborators:
Be First, NHS North East London, Care City, Arup
Awards:
