Pelier Park is a small local park in a neighbourhood of mixed high-density housing and industrial car workshops, lying west of the Walworth Road, Southwark. Won through an open tender, this project comprised the complete refurbishment of the park to make it more useable and enjoyable for everyone.
Architecture and Landscape Design
Pelier Park: Refurbished local park with a ‘social heart’
Prior to the project the park was in poor condition, lacking interest and stimulation and suffering from poor sight lines, and as a result was underused. It did however benefit from a good stock of mature trees.
Originally the site of a music hall turned cinema which was later lost during WW2 bombings, the proposals create an active and vibrant focal point for all ages at the centre of the park - a ‘social heart’ for hanging out, playing ping pong or shooting basketball. The colourful ground markings are inspired by musical scores and memories of the hall. This social space replaces the previous fenced ball court and seeks to provide a more open and inclusive games area for young people.
The new park layout maximises green space, reorientates pathways and reshapes topography to provide better play and recreation as well as clear views across the park, promoting feelings of safety. The entrances have been made more inviting, accessibility has been improved throughout, and the new planting strategy provides greater biodiversity and seasonal interest.
Due to budget constraints the playground is being improved in a phased approach. The first phase has delivered new early years equipment, and the new playground layout has been designed to allow for the future replacement of the existing junior play structure and the addition of further equipment as funding becomes available.
