BDP Wins Best New Public Space Award

BDP has won the Best New Public Space category at this year’s London Planning Awards with its design for Margaret McMillan Park in Lewisham. The practice has now won this category three times in the nine years the awards have been running. Furthermore BDP’s Mount Street Public Realm Regeneration for Grosvenor was one of the only two other projects shortlisted in this category.

BDP’s design has transformed the park which was previously mainly used as a shortcut by commuters, and now offers an attractive and inviting public space with lots of character. Its image has been enhanced through an improved network of footpaths interspersed with a series of meeting points, relaxing places to sit, and diverse planting in a vibrant landscape. Lighting, seating and signage connect the park to the town centre and encourage people to use the space in the evening as well as the daytime.

The judges were unanimous in their decision and were impressed with the positive impact the scheme has had on the area and local community, highlighting the park’s good maintenance regime and access to all as key features. The Mayor of London cited the project as an excellent model for use in other areas.

Organised by London First in conjunction with the Mayor, the Royal Town Planning Institute and London Councils, the London Planning Awards celebrate the outstanding contribution of planners to the capital’s urban renaissance.