SWISS COTTAGE OPEN SPACE

CAMDEN, LONDON

EMPLOYER: Groundwork London

CLIENT: London Borough of Camden (LBC)

PROGRAMME: Camden Multiple Parks Programme

CAPITAL COST: £38,750

LOCATION: Swiss Cottage

COMMISSION: Concept to Completion

MY CONTRIBUTION: Concept to Completion

COMPLETION DATE: March 2017

Background to Camden Multi-Parks Programme

The Camden Multiple Parks Programme seeks to improve five open spaces across the Borough. The development of maintenance neutral design improvements, which would be economically sustainable on a long term basis was a primary focus.

Background to Swiss Cottage Open Space

In light of new developments planned for the area, emphasis was placed on increasing the capacity of the open space, whilst improving wayfinding and overall visitor experience. The brief also included a concept design for a new outdoor gym - to be carried forward separately by LBC’s Sports Team.

Extensive consultation informed us that the site is well used and very popular, though users of the space found it could be better maintained. Residents unanimously felt that any re-design work should not take away from those elements of the park which make it popular with local people.

Design

A new planting palette comprising of shade and was devised and rolled out across the site, filling have been improved, whilst site furniture including has been revised and updated. New reinforced the central basin area. The introduction of shade provides an attractive entrance feature. Turfing separately at a later stage.

and drought tolerant evergreen perennial species filling previously empty beds. Footpath connections including wayfinding signage, litter bins, and seating reinforced turf and slope re-grading seeks to improve shade tolerant wildflower turf at the road frontage Turfing and ground re-grading will be carried out