Woodhouse Urban Park was the first public space delivered through the South Kilburn Regeneration programme. The brief was to create a new public park that would act as a catalyst and precedent for the regeneration of future open space projects; to develop the proposals in collaboration with the community and local partners; and to ensure that public space and future upkeep were designed, delivered and managed sustainably

The project served as catalyst for the formation of a Friends group. The design was collaborative and included field trips, design workshops, concept models and engagement events at all stages of the process. We used different media and engagement formats to reach diverse audiences and age groups.

The project takes its name from the Wood House tower block the was demolished to make way for the park. The design playfully references this by creating an outdoor living room using a range of custom-made concrete surface finishes and furniture to recall homely interiors and provide a space to meet up, socialise, rest or play a game.

The different areas of the park are carefully zoned to allow a range of users to enjoy the space simultaneously and parents to keep an eye on their children from a range of vantage points. A generous timber topped events stage overlooks a large grassy area defined by trees and planted mounds, presenting an opportunity for the community to host events.

The southern part of the park is more ‘active’. The ‘Beanpole’ play structure is designed for younger and less able children, with a clatter bridge, log traverse and slide. Placed up on a mound the ‘Giant Tree’ on the southern boundary of the park is a challenging play structure. Bespoke built from oak, it includes a slide, a fireman’s pole, climbing nets, and a view over the park to the surrounding area from the top.