Funding the Arcadia Projec

To create London’s Arcadia, 122 projects have been identified which, including the development year in 2003 will cost £3.3 m.

London's Arcadia will take four years to complete and the first year is focused on the development and refinement of the proposals, in consultation with suppliers and the community. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has allocated £300,000 for this first year and subject to the projects being developed along agreed lines, £1.7m will be allocated for the following three years.

The total cost of the project will need to be matched by generous contributions from sponsors and donations totalling £1.3m. As part of the bid, Richmond Borough Council has already pledged commitment to the long-term maintenance of the Arcadia area.

Sir David Attenborough, patron of the Thames Landscape Strategy said,

"London’s Arcadia is all about implementing the Thames Landscape Strategy along the stretch of the River Thames from Teddington beneath Richmond Hill to Kew. It tackles the important issue of balancing the various conflicting demands in order to keep and adapt what we value for future generations. Doing nothing is not an option. We need to take active steps to ensure that we maintain a varied habitat, support traditional river activities, and manage the landscape to complement the marvellous historic buildings that line the Thames.

The Thames Landscape Strategy is that very rare animal: a plan with real popular appeal and a sense of what it is about landscapes that fires people’s imagination. I look forward to seeing how the enthusiasm of local people and of major funding agencies will take the project forward."

If you are interested in pledging your support to London's Arcadia project please email arcadia@richmond.gov.uk