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SMEs sought for pilot project at three leafy sites along the River Roding
A key opportunity to combat obesity in Barking & Dagenham by supporting access to healthy green spaces [Deadline 3 November 2025]
Funded by Innovate UK, Connect Places Catapult as part of a partnership with River Roding Health Corridor consortium is offering up £25,000 for trials in Barking & Dagenham.
Those interested have been asked to submit ideas to improve public spaces along the River Roding, identified as one of London’s most undervalued natural corridors. Solutions should encourage residents to change their behaviour with playful, visible and inclusive spaces that support physical activity.
As an area facing the highest percentage of childhood obesity in the UK, the production of active travel opportunities is key to improving physical health plus access to healthy green spaces. With the highest population of under 18s in England and Wales and 31% of these classified as obese, support is necessary for those facing deprivation and limited access to safe spaces.
Three sites have been chosen for this trial scheme with applications closing on 3 November 2025. Four successful candidates will be chosen to receive the funding with interviews taking place 24-26 November.
Connected Places Catapult as part of the River Roding Health Corridor consortium are also working alongside Arup, Be First, Care City, Makower Architects and NHS North East London.
“The people who live by the river are not getting much out of the river at all. The pathways not great, it’s limited for people who have mobility issues.” Stakeholder interview
Interested parties must be UK-registered public, private, or third-sector organisation considered to be of SME size and be committed to create a full trial plan between 1-12 December as part of the application. A site visit will also take place on 3 December 2025.
The plans can take place on one site or across any of the three chosen for this trial stage. The first of which sits at the Harts Lane Estate, two 17-storey towers built in 1971 close to barking town centre in a key location for green infrastructure and improvements.
The River Roding Health Corridor spans seven sites along the river.
Full details about the sites available to download via How to Apply > Supporting documents cp.catapult.org.uk/opportunity/public-realm-innovation-lab-open-call/
Applications submitted cp.catapult.org.uk/register/?opportunityId=68c932a00c1cc494b8776e6d
Opportunity Details:
Project title: Public Realm Innovation Lab – Open Call
Client: Connected Places Catapult and Partners
Published: 1 October 2025
First Deadline: 3 November 2025
More information: cp.catapult.org.uk/register/?opportunityId=68c932a00c1cc494b8776e6d
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