The Department of Communities and Local Government proposed the concept of the Thames Gateway Parklands Programme following discussions with key partners including the GLA Group. A £35 million programme was announced in the Thames Gateway Delivery Plan in November 2007.

The programme aims to retain and restore the unique natural environment of the Gateway's landscapes, to secure a high quality built environment, and to protect, promote and celebrate the historic environment and heritage of the area.

The London Development Agency is acting as the accountable body for the programme in London. Design for London led the coordination and submission of a detailed business plan outlining ten Parklands projects in London. This has led to the allocation of over £10m of capital funding toward five of these projects over the next three years, and Design for London has developed a design quality management and delivery strategy for each.

Together these projects have the potential to improve 400 hectares of green space and 5.2 hectares of public spaces, 35.4km of foot and cycle routes including 14.9km of routes to the Thames waterfront. 10.9km of watercourses will be improved and restored, enhancing habitats and reducing flood risk for 1,070 properties. The programme will enhance the quality of life of the 118,700 residents who live within 300m of the projects, and a further 298,000 living within 1km, where levels of social deprivation are significantly higher than the Thames Gateway average. These residents will be able to take pride in the improved reputation and identity of the London Thames Gateway and witness further economic benefits from visitors and new businesses which may be encouraged to locate in the area.