We were appointed by a local authority client as landscape architects and tasked with designing a new public space surrounding new public cafe, located within Island Gardens, Tower Hamlets. The brief was to design a new space to serve the new cafe and to provide additional seating and picnic tables for users of the park. Our scope was to prepare information to satisfy landscape architect’s planning conditions, prepare a package of landscape architect’s tender information and to monitor the works when on site until the completion of the project.
Island Gardens is Grade II listed and is located on the North Bank of the River Thames. It provides fantastic views across the river towards the former Greenwich Hospital and other notable Greenwich landmarks. This new 350msq external cafe space is located at the west end of the park, adjacent to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel North. It is surrounded by significant number of mature London Plane trees, with one tree being located at the centre of the newly designed external cafe spaces.
Due to the large number of existing trees surrounding the site area and an existing tree within the site boundary, levels were carefully considered by our landscape architects. Our proposed edging details and paving build ups were carefully coordinated with the project arboricultural consultant to ensure the best outcome for the existing trees. Where possible existing kerbs, sub bases and foundations were retaining so as to minimise any root disturbance to the existing trees. The proposed paved surface was also sympathetic to the existing tree roots and consisted of a permeable resin bound product.
Another significant constraint imposed on the proposed levels came from the requirements of Part M (Buildings Other than Dwellings); all parts of the space needed to be compliant. Gradients needed to be sympathetic and level access to all thresholds to the new building was required.
Where possible, existing vegetation was retained. This was the supplemented with a robust planting palette, carefully selected for the environmental conditions found within the vicinity of the existing mature trees. The shrub and ground cover planting were selected evergreen foliage, scent and wildlife benefits.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 4a to 6
Client: London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Architect: Makespace Architects
Developer/ Contractor: Ark Build Plc.