Landscape Design

Claremont Park sets the standard for a thriving, inclusive new public realm at Brent Cross Town, one of Europe’s largest net zero carbon regeneration projects. Designed by Townshend Landscape Architects and HTA Design, Claremont Park is the first of seven parks that will be delivered in the new neighbourhood of Brent Cross Town. Brent Cross Town is a joint venture between Related Argent and Barnet Council to develop a large-scale mixed-use development including new homes, retail and office space, as well as improved schools and greenspaces. At the heart of the new park town is a focus on health and wellbeing, and participation in sport and play, all of which are showcased at Claremont Park.

Claremont Park opened to the public in June 2022. The early delivery of the park reflects Brent Cross Town’s ambition to support health and wellbeing, and to create London’s new destination for sport and play. It also aligns with the commitment to deliver local amenities and social infrastructure first ensuring the local community feels the benefit of the scheme from the outset. Claremont Park is an important neighbourhood space for the local community to relax and spend time in, a place to be active, to play and socialise, as well as a place to interact with the natural environment.

The new park expands on what was an existing open space that was in need of rejuvenation and now provides a 4.5 acre green space bringing together imaginative play facilities, water features, nature trails and a new community-run Kiosk, as well as over 300 new trees which have been planted across the park. The design of the park has been guided by a set of principles which include environmental, social and economic aims, to encourage social spaces, improve connectivity; aid economic vibrancy; be accessible and inclusive; and create real opportunities for play, leisure, exercise and sport. These principles come together to create a beautiful local park that attracts a wide range of people, enabling it to become a core part of the emerging neighbourhood.

The natural landscape has been designed to support biodiversity and environmental sustainability, with more than 300 new trees being planted and wildflower meadows created across the park, and nature trails to encourage exploration and learning. Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) have been integrated in the form of swales and a large pond. The pond provides new water habitat and offers a unique opportunity for local people to engage from its floating viewing pontoon.

Play is a key feature. The Water Meadows play park, designed by Erect Architecture and named by local school children in honour of Brent’s waterways, is an exciting bespoke playground which offers facilities for imaginative and collaborative play. Natural materials have been used throughout, such as reclaimed timbers from Woolwich Pier on the children’s climbing structures. Water play is also provided with pumps and sand pits. The Pocket Sports Zone encourages sporting activities such as basketball, skating and scootering, with mini jumps and ramps.

The Claremont Park Kiosk, now an ice cream parlour and snack and refreshment business, is run by a local resident, Gus Bodur, known locally as ‘ Gussy the Ice Cream Man ’. Gus had operated his ice cream truck from the park for over 35 years. The kiosk is made particularly special with the Ribbon Rainscreen, a colourful sculpture by artist Hanna Benihoud Studio. Placing the Kiosk in the centre of the park, provides important local amenity as well as toilets ensuring the park becomes a dynamic and active community space for the existing and growing communities around the park.