St Matthew's Estate

Client:      Lambeth Council

Budget:     £620,000

Date:         2011 - 2015

Through close consultation with residents a scheme was devised to integrate and upgrade the fragmented green spaces, removing unnecessary barriers, creating a shared space where pedestrians have priority over cars. Low key bespoke play sits alongside growing spaces and more planting and seating areas promote sociability across the estate. Colourful paving patterns highlight the key pedestrian routes and connect to a stepping stone play route through the central green. They also lead through a central circular space surrounded by raised planters with integrated seats. These were carefully designed around an existing much loved winter flowering cherry. Some of the photographs show the opening party when over a hundred residents came together for the first time to enjoy the new spaces. The tenants resident association commented, ‘It just proves that the space really works for the community. We could have had even more people in this massive space and still not run out of somewhere to sit. It is perfect so we will start to plan the next event now, maybe for Christmas.' A year later the chair of the tenant's resident's association said, "It really has changed the way people relate to each other and enjoy the space. I hope you are doing more such projects - our cities need landscaping!"