Arup has been selected to lead the regeneration of West Hendon Playing Field following a design contest by the London Borough of Barnet and the Landscape Institute.
The winning proposal includes new tennis courts, 3G artificial turf pitches, an outdoor gym, a bowling green, a high ropes course, a skate park, and other features.
The park redevelopment will be based on Garden City principles and is expected to take two years to complete. The new Sports Pavilion and Community Hub will be designed by Tate + Co architects, housing a café, indoor climbing, activity studio, nursery, soft play, community rooms, changing rooms, and toilets.
Pedestrian and cycle routes around the park will be improved to encourage eco-friendly “active travel,” and e-scooter hire and bicycle parking, charging, and repair will be available.
Emily Woodason, project lead at Arup said: “Our landscape led team is excited to collaborate with Barnet Council and stakeholders to deliver a destination park with community and nature at its heart. Our integrated-systems approach, seeks to meet the needs of communities, strengthen quality of life, and achieve sustainability outcomes.”
Sue Morgan, Chief Executive at the Landscape Institute said: “Congratulations to Arup for being appointed to lead the regeneration of West Hendon Playing Field from its current form to an exemplary destination park for the local community. The sustainable development will connect people, place, and nature, supporting health and well-being and promoting biodiversity.
“Creating a transformational green space that will enhance the environment for the public benefit. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at the Landscape Institute, and partnering with Barnet Council to lead this design competition demonstrates the benefits of this process for creative procurement, innovation, and design quality.”
The transformation of the park is part of Barnet’s investment of more than £30m in its parks.
