HC Deb 01 June 1998 vol 313 cc33-4W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the estimated cost of developing beaches round the Millennium Experience site; how many beaches are to be developed; and what will be their composition. [42984]

Angela Eagle

No new beaches are being developed around the Millennium Experience site.

River flood defences are being replaced by English Partnerships on the Greenwich Peninsula where the existing flood defences have only a limited remaining life.

The new flood defences are, in places, being rebuilt using stepped ecological tidal terraces rather than vertical steel sheet piles. The step terraces are being planted with reeds and other inter-tidal plants.

The cost of these tidal terrace works including the flood defences within the Millennium Experience site is £2.9 million. Part of this cost will be met by the Environment Agency.

There are a number of areas around the Greenwich Peninsula below high water which have naturally occurring sand and gravel banks forming what could be referred to as "beaches". These areas are being retained in their existing natural state but no new sands and gravels are being imported. These "beaches" will be accessible from the new river walkway.

Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the Millennium Experience at Greenwich on the local transport system. [42016]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Planning permission for the Millennium Experience site in north Greenwich was granted on the clear understanding that general visitors would not be permitted to park cars at the site so as not to exacerbate existing road congestion in the area. This will be reinforced by a large Controlled Parking Zone. By the Millennium there will be additional and improved local transport interchanges and services serving the Exhibition and local area, including a station on the Jubilee Line Extension close to the gates of the Exhibition, a dedicated bus link from Charlton railway station and new river services.

I chair a new co-ordination group on Millennium Access matters which will have its first meeting next week. I will also be giving oral evidence on this subject to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee of this House on 16 June.