The project transforms 17 hectares of underused parkland in South London into a climate-resilient, ecologically rich, and socially inclusive public space. Delivered on a £3.2 million budget, the project addresses flooding, biodiversity loss, and social exclusion through an integrated approach combining landscape, hydrology, sustainability, and community co-design. Previously dominated by mown grass, redundant sports pitches, underused play areas, and fragmented footpaths, the park now features a diverse mosaic of wetlands, woodlands, sunken lawns, and amenity spaces.
Flood Resilience
At the heart of the scheme is a nature-based flood strategy of 25,000m³ basin creating a 1.25 m-deep habitat pond and a sunken lawn area reducing flood risk to over 400 properties. The system was activated during a significant flood event in September 2024, proving the strategy’s effectiveness. This system of swales includes inlet and outlet pipes, is connected to the river and integrates into the landscape creating environmental and amenity benefits.
Ecological Enhancement
The project delivers a significant ecological enhancement, achieving an overall Biodiversity Net Gain of 22.86%, including a 10.55% increase along the river corridor. Key ecological interventions include the creation of 28,000 m² of native wildflower meadow, 1,500 m² of native hedgerow planting, and 5,500 m² of new woodland with whips, featuring endangered black poplars. In total, 236 trees representing 25 different species have been planted, with 80% being native. The enhancement of the Ravensbourne River corridor has introduced new wetland habitats, supported by enriched planting and the incorporation of brash berms, scrapes, coir matting, and dead hedging to increase habitat complexity and control river access. The establishment of woodland and scrub habitats, classified as at least medium distinctiveness, compensates for any habitat loss and strengthens ecological connectivity across the site. All proposed habitat enhancements have been selected to suit the scale of the site while accommodating recreational needs. A 30-year management plan ensures the long-term success and legacy of the net gain, including the installation of hibernacula, bird boxes, and bat boxes, informed by findings from a bat activity survey.
Sustainability and Innovation
Geo-environmental investigations enabled the safe reuse of 100% on-site soil including Made Ground, some containing asbestos. Mounds have been created to encapsulate the materials, significantly reducing export, embodied carbon, and cost. The mounds support a new network of mountain bike trails ranging from easy to medium difficulty and includes a recreational route and areas for whip planting. Additionally, 99% of the materials from the demolished toilet block were crushed and reused on-site as sub-base for new paths and hard surfaces. Overall, 80% of all sub-base materials used during construction originated from recycled site-won materials, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainable material reuse.
Inclusive Design
Extensive public consultation, youth workshops, and input from specialists in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) shaped the design. These efforts culminated in a fully accessible playground featuring sensory surfacing, quiet zones, and wheelchair-friendly play equipment. Additional inclusive features include a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), table tennis facilities, outdoor gym equipment, and step-free riverside paths with accessible picnic benches and new and upgraded footpaths.The MUGA, a 1,000 m² space located near the entrance, forms an active recreation hub in synergy with the existing BMX and skateboarding areas. Designed with minimal fencing and an open southern edge, the space encourages free movement, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity. Improvements to wayfinding and park integration include the creation of a new lime tree avenue planted with vibrant herbaceous species, a new bridge, boardwalks, new entrance connecting to the wider landscape.
Community Participation
A programme of volunteering and social value was delivered in partnership with Thames 21, engaging local people in river clean-ups, dead hedging, bank stabilisation, planting wildflowers and trees, and maintaining new habitats. Educational events and hands-on activities helped improve the River Ravensbourne’s ecology while fostering community stewardship.
Social and Economic Impact
Annual visitors have grown from 200,000 to over 1.5 million including western side and eastern side. Demographic data now better reflects the diversity of the local area, with representation of mixed-race visitors increasing from 5% to 15%. The park is now widely used by both under-25s and over-65s of groups previously underrepresented. Beckenham Place Park East completes the transformation of one of Lewisham’s largest green spaces into a benchmark for nature-based urban regeneration.
• Other credits:
Client: London Borough of Lewisham and Environment Agency
Water Engineering: Metis
Structural Engineering: BDP
Ecology and Archaeology: ADAS
Environmental Engineering: Ian Farmer Associates
Geomorphology & River BNG: Binnies UK Ltd
Quantity Surveyor: Artelia UK
Contractor: T. Loughman
