Squaring the Corners in Becontree

nimtim architects have been commissioned by Create London and the Royal Institute of British Architects to look at ways to work with residents to improve a series of amenity green corner plots on the Becontree Estate. The project is one of five projects commissioned by Create and funded by Barking & Dagenham council’s Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (a charge on development in the borough to help fund infrastructure such as playgrounds and public spaces).

Three sets of corner plots were selected for consultation/design development through discussions with ward councillors and stakeholders. These sites were:

- Adomar Rd and Aylmer Rd (Parsloes ward)

- Fuller Rd and Lindsey Rd (Becontree ward)

- Gale St, Woodward Rd and Hedgemans Rd (Goresbrook ward)

Resident engagement has included:

- nimtim and Create ran a community engagement day on Saturday 29 May 2021 where they presented design ideas to residents through specially made models of each site and gathered their feedback.

- Postcards were sent to homes around the corner plots which included an image of the designs, details about the project and a link to this Citizens’ Alliance Network project page for more information.

- Laminated posters were installed on fencing across each of the sites to notify residents of the project.

- Model making workshops were held with Jo Richardson Community School and Becontree Primary School, and another workshop held with an older adult community group Lily’s Chai Club to discuss planting schemes with residents on the three sites.

Sites will only go forward if they have support from neighbouring residents. Of the three sites put forward for consultation/design development, nimtim continue to engage with local residents on Fuller Rd/Lindsay Rd but work on other sites has been put on hold after recent consultation with residents.

Proposed Designs – Fuller Rd and Lindsey Rd

Following feedback from residents on the engagement day, and consultation with council officers and ward members, nimtim presented initial designs for the Fuller Rd and Lindsey Rd amenity green (see image below). Their aim is to create a space with local residents where they can have a sense of ownership and pride over. The designs include:

- The introduction of small rocks and logs as informal and light play structures for young children

- Retaining all current trees, with the addition of some new fruit trees

- Seating and places to rest provided through the rocks and logs, with the addition of a semi-circular metal bench

- New attractive flora and shrubbery that will be maintainable

- A raised table for traffic calming measures and painted informal crossings

If you would like to provide feedback, or have any questions about the proposed designs, please get in touch by emailing: info@createlondon.org