Guest Blog: T Loughman
Beckenham Place Park East Regeneration: A Revitalised Community Space
T Loughman & Co Ltd (Loughman) is nearing completion of the major landscape regeneration of Beckenham Place Park East, in collaboration with Lewisham Council. This project has significantly enhanced the park’s facilities for the surrounding communities and attracted a wider and more diverse group of visitors. Beckenham Place Park, the largest green space in Southeast London, holds great ecological and historical significance, and the regeneration has successfully made it a well-loved community asset.
Situated near the border of Lewisham and Bromley, Beckenham Place Park is recognised as a local nature reserve and a site of metropolitan importance for nature conservation. Its ancient woodlands, meadows, and diverse habitats contribute to its reputation as one of the best wildlife sites in the borough. Additionally, the park is part of the Green Chain Walk and Capital Ring, strategic walking routes promoted by London’s 33 local councils and Transport for London (TfL).
Project Scope and Vision
The landscaping works have included:
- Flood alleviation and water management through subtle landforms and new sunken lawns.
- The creation of a pond with aquatic planting and improved access to the River Ravensbourne.
- Planting of trees, meadows, and gardens, as well as riverside and aquatic greenery.
- New paths, upgraded existing pathways, off-road cycling trails, and a playground with a Multi-Use Games Area.
- Fitness equipment areas, bridges, a river viewing platform, and enhanced park entrances.
- Installation of benches, bins, signage, and services for a future café.
The excavated material from the flood attenuation areas has been reused to form the park’s new bike trails. In line with Loughman’s commitment to sustainability, surplus logs and debris from a demolished changing room have been incorporated into the design, significantly reducing waste.
Overcoming Challenges and Creating Opportunities
Maintaining access for park visitors and emergency services during construction has been a major challenge. The works have been carried out in five phases to minimise disruption, ensuring that key routes remain open and safe throughout the project. Parkgoers have continued to enjoy the space even as improvements have progressed.
Loughman has worked closely with stakeholders, including the Environment Agency and landscape architects BDP, to manage regulatory requirements such as dust risk management, tree protection, and remediation strategies for contaminated ground. Public engagement has been essential, with ongoing communication to keep local residents informed of progress.
The project has also created significant opportunities for value engineering and sustainability. Loughman has maximised the reuse of materials on-site, including stabilisation of existing footpath sub-bases and recovery of materials from the original pathways. These efforts align with Lewisham Council’s sustainability objectives, making the project a model for future developments in the borough.
Looking Ahead
As the project nears completion, Beckenham Place Park East will feature new play areas, fitness spaces, and cycling trails, all within a rejuvenated natural landscape. The flood management measures will help protect the park’s ecology while creating spaces for community engagement and recreation. By embracing a sustainable approach, Loughman and Lewisham Council are ensuring that the park will continue to be a cherished space for future generations.
