PUBLIC REALM
The Site
Allen Gardens was formed as an urban park in the 1960s on land cleared after World War II. It is named after the 19th century philanthropist William Allen. Today, it is a vibrant and lively open space in a densley populated neighbourhood. The park has however suffered from a lack of investment despite being in a prime location. It is made up of a wide open flat grass space, with a prominent line of poplar trees and some scattered trees and shrubs - little to provide interest or landscape diversity.
Design Services
LGLA worked with AR Urbanism to develop some initial concepts following a series of local community workshops. Transport consultants Steer led on a review of the adajcent street, assessing the potential for changes to traffic flow and accessibiity.
Results
The brief had sought to retain all existing trees despite them creating visual barriers. A number of options for cost effective interventions were developed which aimed to create a new set of paths and nodes that reconnected the whole green space, whilst also creating and defining new zones for various activities. This includes sports areas, ecology zones, childrens play and a outdoor cafe space.
Client: London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Urban Design: AR Urbanism
Transport Consultant: Steer
