Bramcote Park in Southwark is a public place used by the community as part of their everyday lives. Our shortlisted competition design sought to revitalise the park as a welcome community space with activities for people of all ages – providing a richness that can be discovered over time and changes through the seasons.

Currently divided by Verney Road, the park will be united by a broad and colourful crossing. We envisaged the landscaping as a patchwork – a rich composition of diverse activities, materials and spaces. Rather than a separation of ‘play’ and ‘nature’ spaces, a variety of ecological and play elements are drawn throughout the whole design. Sculptural features – constructed by re-using the existing railings and metalwork – emphasise continuity across the road and signal to drivers to slow.

Opportunities for exercise and sustainable travel are provided, with jogging encouraged through a running track and cycling through creative cycle parking. Play terraces consist of social areas and activities such as table tennis, exercise equipment and seating. For children, timber play structures are scattered along the play trail and evoke the neighbourhood’s industrial past, encouraging open-ended creative play. A large events space and picnic lawn provide flexibility. All existing trees will be retained, and a wildflower meadow created, enhancing biodiversity. Areas of fluctuating natural pond will add to the habitats and form part of the play route.

The project was developed in collaboration with landscape architects BBUK and artist Heather Burrell.