Beckenham Place Park East

Completing the wider transformation of one of Lewisham’s largest green spaces, the project demonstrates how nature-based design can help cities adapt to climate change while reconnecting people with nature.

The restoration of Beckenham Place Park East has transformed 17 hectares of underused, flood prone parkland into a vibrant, multifunctional landscape that combines nature-based flood protection, ecological enhancement and inclusive recreation. Delivered for the London Borough of Lewisham with support from the Environment Agency and Greater London Authority, the project reduces flood risk to over 400 properties through a 25,000m³ flood storage basin and habitat pond, while creating new wetlands, meadows and active recreation facilities. Annual visitors to the wider park have increased from 200,000 to more than 1.5 million, reflecting the project’s role in reconnecting diverse communities with nature.

From the help of local community engagement, the design prioritises accessibility and sustainability, including an inclusive playground, step-free riverside paths, accessible picnic benches, a new multi-use games area and improved park connections.

Construction saw 100% of excavated soil reused on site and 80% of sub-base sourced from recycled materials, creating sculpted landforms that now support mountain bike trails, habitat creation and wildflower meadows.