News Articles Archive - Page 3 of 163 - Cross River Partnership

The discussions at last month’s London Climate Action Week made one thing clear: if we want a climate-resilient London, we have to transform how our goods move.

With parcel deliveries projected to continue to increase in the coming years, our streets face unprecedented pressure. Climate resilience isn’t just about preparing for extreme weather; it is about building daily systems robust enough to reduce polluting vehicle journeys, lower emissions, and withstand future urban challenges.

At CRP, we are working with our partners to build these systems, including multimodal solutions to include networks like rail, walking freight, and the river as well.

Through our recent projects, we have transformed underutilised spaces into micro logistics hubs, such as our trials at the Waterloo Freight Hub and Pimlico, proving that parcels can be brought into central London efficiently and distributed via e-cargo bikes. By connecting local authorities, businesses, and low-emission operators, CRP is helping to deliver a safer, greener network that keeps London moving.

Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you explore low-emission logistics solutions: https://crossriverpartnership.org/contact-us/

As London experiences more frequent periods of extreme heat, green infrastructure is becoming an essential part of climate resilience. Trees, rain gardens, green roofs and living walls can help cool streets, provide shade, improve air quality, reduce flood risk and create healthier, more attractive places for people to spend time.

For over a decade, CRP has brought together local authorities, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), businesses and landowners to deliver practical greening solutions across London that support our partners.

For example, our award-winning Greening the BIDs programme supported Business Improvement Districts across central London to deliver 19 Green Infrastructure Audits and 16 installations, including rain gardens, green roofs and living walls. One of the most recognisable examples is the Living Wall at the Rubens Hotel in Victoria, which incorporates around 10,000 plants and helps cool the local environment while supporting biodiversity.

Similarly, CRP’s more recent Healthy Streets Everyday programme delivered 23 greening improvements across 11 London boroughs. From pocket parks to innovative CityTrees installations, these projects have helped to improve local environments and create healthier, more welcoming streets. This great work is being continued as part of our Healthy Streets Everyday II Programme.

By integrating greening with wider initiatives to improve air quality, promote active travel and enhance public spaces, CRP and its partners are helping London adapt to a changing climate. As temperatures continue to rise, these projects demonstrate how green infrastructure can play a vital role in creating cooler, healthier and more resilient neighbourhoods for everyone.

Interested in delivering greening projects in your area? Contact CRP Interim Director Fiona Coull to explore how we can support you to develop and deliver green infrastructure solutions.

CRP Project Manager Katherine Fairfax recently attended A City for All: Leading Climate Transformation in an Era of Disinformation, hosted by LSE Cities and C40 Cities. The event launched the inaugural Nicky Gavron Memorial Lecture Series, honouring the former Deputy Mayor of London and co-founder of C40 Cities, whose work helped place cities at the forefront of global climate action.

The keynote was delivered by Anne Hidalgo, former Mayor of Paris and Global Ambassador for the Global Covenant of Mayors, followed by a discussion featuring global city leaders including Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr (Mayor of Freetown), Kate Gallego (Mayor of Phoenix), David Miller (former Mayor of Toronto), Mark Watts (Executive Director, C40 Cities) and Philipp Rode (Executive Director, LSE Cities).

A key theme throughout the event was that successful climate action depends on more than ambitious targets. Building public trust, engaging communities and demonstrating tangible benefits for residents are essential to creating lasting change.

These messages reflect CRP’s Healthy Streets Everyday II (HSE II) project, which works with local authorities, businesses and communities to test and scale practical solutions that make streets healthier, greener and more inclusive. The event was a timely reminder that delivering climate transformation requires collaboration, clear communication and a focus on the everyday experiences of the people who live, work and travel in our cities.

Find out more about Healthy Streets Everyday II: Healthy Streets Everyday II

For more information, please contact CRP Senior Development Manager Ross Phillips

Climate resilience is essential as London experiences more frequent heatwaves, extreme weather events and environmental pressures. Across the city, organisations are adapting how they plan, design and manage places to ensure communities, businesses and infrastructure can thrive in a changing climate. This edition of the CRP Newsletter explores a range of approaches that are helping to build a more resilient London, from greening and healthy streets to sustainable logistics, community resilience and long-term city planning.

At CRP, we are proud to work alongside our partners to deliver practical, place-based solutions that support climate adaptation while bringing wider benefits for health, air quality, biodiversity and local economies. Through programmes such as Healthy Streets Everyday II, STREET-15, urban greening initiatives, low-emission freight trials and collaborative planning projects, we are helping to create greener streets, cooler public spaces, more resilient transport networks and healthier neighbourhoods.

A common theme running through each article is the importance of partnership working. Whether creating cool spaces during heatwaves, delivering green infrastructure, supporting thriving high streets, rethinking urban planning, or transforming city logistics, meaningful progress depends on collaboration between local authorities, businesses, BIDs, community organisations and other stakeholders.

We hope this edition provides inspiration for how climate resilience can be embedded into projects, policies and places. To learn more about CRP’s work or explore partnership opportunities, please get in touch: https://crossriverpartnership.org/contact-us/

Read the July newsletter here: https://crossriverpartnership.org/publications/?search=&category=crp-newsletters&year_published=

The Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) have launched a new Walking and Wheeling Action Plan, setting out changes to how London’s streets are designed and used. With commitments including 1,000 new pedestrian crossings, expanded School Streets and neighbourhood-level improvements, the Plan aims to make walking a more convenient everyday choice, while supporting public health and local high streets.

For CRP and our partners, this creates clear opportunities. Many of the challenges it highlights, such as unsafe crossings, poor pavements and traffic-heavy streets, are ones we are already tackling through projects like Healthy Streets Everyday II and Just Streets. The Plan should make it easier to deliver this kind of work at scale through borough programmes and local partnerships.

In practical terms, this could mean more support for high street improvements, safer routes to public transport, and neighbourhood changes that make walking easier and more appealing. CRP will continue working with partners to turn these opportunities into local projects and delivery.

With London Climate Action Week underway, there’s a wide range of events taking place, offering something for everyone interested in driving forward climate action. From community-led initiatives to sector-focused discussions, it’s a great opportunity to learn, connect, and get involved.

London Climate Action Week harnesses the power of London for both global and local climate action, providing an open and inclusive platform for collaboration. As one of the world’s largest independent climate events, it brings together thousands of people across hundreds of events each June showcasing climate action happening visibly across an entire global city. It is also a key moment in the global climate calendar, where the international climate community comes together to build momentum, share learning, and drive progress between COP summits.

Events are being held from Saturday 20th to Sunday 28th June! Check out some of the events below:

Sustainability Walking Tour (Morning Tour or Afternoon Tour)
Explore sustainable initiatives across the city through guided walking tours

Port Electrification UK
Discover the latest developments in port infrastructure and electrification

Earthfest: The Future of Transport & Energy
Engage with discussions and exhibitions on the future of clean transport and energy systems

Sort It Out! The Great Recycling Challenge
Get involved in practical action and awareness around recycling and waste reduction

There are many more events taking place across London, whether you’re interested in policy, innovation, community action, or simply learning more, now is the perfect time to get involved and be part of the conversation.

Explore the full programme here: Events – London Climate Action Week

New designs for the transformation of Fleet Street have been unveiled, marking a significant step towards creating a greener, healthier and more people-focused corridor in the heart of central London.

Led by the City of London Corporation and supported by Fleet Street Quarter BID, the proposals align closely with wider ambitions to prioritise walking, wheeling and cycling, while improving air quality, safety and the overall experience of the public realm. As the area prepares for a substantial increase in footfall driven by major developments, this transformation aims to ensure Fleet Street can support a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Two design options are currently open for consultation, both focused on rebalancing space away from vehicles towards people. This includes wider pavements, improved cycling infrastructure, and the introduction of greenery and seating to encourage dwell time and support local businesses. One option goes further, reimagining Fleet Street as a destination in its own right, with greater emphasis on place-making and reduced through traffic.

CRP continues to champion initiatives like this that bring partners together to make London’s streets safer, cleaner and better suited to the evolving needs of businesses, residents and visitors.

Have your say and help shape the future of Fleet Street – https://transformingfleetstreet.commonplace.is/

London Climate Action Week (LCAW) returns from 20th to 28th June 2026, focusing on key impact goals like accelerating an inclusive, net-zero transition and expanding the range of people involved in the climate debate.

This collaborative, cross-sector approach is exactly where CRP thrives. Having spent over three decades working alongside public, private, academic, and community organisations to deliver green growth, we bring a wealth of experience to helping our partners shape places designed for our future.

Through CRP’s project work and consultancy services, we turn LCAW’s goals into reality. Our expertise in decarbonisation and sustainability allows us to deliver innovative carbon-reduction strategies, like supporting Westminster City Council’s Sustainable City Charter Innovation Challenge to trial SME-led green solutions. Meanwhile, our placemaking and greening work supports safer, inclusive public spaces through projects like Healthy Streets Everyday II and the Horizon-Europe funded JUST STREETS programme. Another key example of our pioneering projects is the award-winning Waterloo Freight Hub.

Achieving a resilient, net-zero London requires collective action. Get in touch with us to find out how our consultancy and technical expertise can help your organisation deliver meaningful environmental impact!

In June, CRP welcomed Healthy Streets Everyday II partners to St John’s Street in the London Borough of Islington for a Steering Group meeting and site visit.

The visit showcased a transformed streetscape, with improved cycling conditions, more space for walking, wheeling and scooting, and enhanced greenery to support biodiversity. Partners experienced first-hand the greening, sustainable urban drainage and public realm improvements delivered by the London Borough of Islington, Central District Alliance (CDA) and collaborators. Mediterranean-style planting has been introduced to better withstand rising temperatures linked to climate change.

Central District Alliance has played a key role in engaging local businesses, helping maximise both environmental and economic benefits, setting the stage for a vibrant summer of al fresco dining.

These interventions have created a greener, safer and more welcoming street for all.

CRP extends thanks to all partners for their continued collaboration, and to the Mayor of London for funding the scheme through Round 4 of the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund.

For more information on our Healthy Streets Everyday II programme, please contact CRP’s Senior Development Manager rossphillips@crossriverpartnership.org

CRP is excited to announce Fiona Coull as its Interim Director. Fiona will lead CRP until the Autumn time, when the competitively recruited external Director will take up the position.

Fiona has already been managing large delivery programmes and overseeing finances for CRP for 6 years, so is extremely well-placed to lead the partnership over this transition period.

In the words of Fiona: “I’m looking forward to building on the excellent work already underway at CRP. With the support of our fantastic team, I’m excited to continue driving forward our priorities over the coming months.”

Outgoing CRP Director Susannah Wilks said: “Fiona brings a wealth of experience, skills, expertise and knowledge to the table. CRP partners, funders and agencies will receive a completely seamless service from CRP under her leadership.”

For any queries, please contact CRP Interim Director Fiona Coull

Archives: News Articles

Shaping the Future of Sustainable Logistics through CRP’s Partnerships

Keeping London Cool: Greening for a More Resilient City

CRP Attends Inaugural Lecture on Climate Leadership

July Newsletter: CRP Drives Collaborative Action on Climate Resilience

A Step Forward for Walking in London

Join the Conversation: London Climate Action Week Events

New Designs Unveiled for a Greener, Safer Fleet Street

Celebrating London Climate Action Week 2026

On Site at St John Street: Healthy Streets Everyday II Partners

CRP Announces New Interim Director Fiona Coull