Lower Lea Valley

The Lower Lea Valley is the southern end of the Lea Valley, surrounding the River Lea (or Lee), which runs along the boundary of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on its western bank and the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest and Newham on its eastern bank, into the River Thames. The river forms the boundary between (inner) London and the ancient Becontree hundred. Much of the area is included in the masterplan of London's bid for the 2012 Olympic games, which will provide a legacy of facilities for this currently run-down area. There are plans to redevelop all the derelict and underutilised parts of the valley, which will take until 2020 or beyond. The largest single redevelopment scheme in the area is Stratford City.

The Lower Lea valley is within the wider Thames Gateway regeneration area, and is part of the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation's remit. The Lower Lea Valley area forms part of the Green Enterprise District, a project to create a low-carbon economy region in Greater London.

There are many different spellings of the river's name. In the 19th century the Ordnance Survey decided to use both Lea and Lee. After years of dispute about the spelling, now it is agreed that natural features such as the river are spelt Lea, whilst man-made features are spelt Lee, such as the Lee Valley Park and the Lee Navigation canal and towpath.^{[citation needed]}

A 2005 documentary What Have You Done Today, Mervyn Day? focused on the history and landscape of the Lower Lea Valley. The film was made by Paul Kelly in conjunction with British pop group Saint Etienne.

External links

• London Planning Dept. - Lower Lea Valley Master Plan
• Details: on the London Development Agency website
• blitzandblight.com / Lower Lea Valley
• BBC: Lower Lea & Thames Gateway