Regenerating Dean Gardens

Background

Dean Gardens is a large park in the London Borough of Ealing, which includes open areas of grass and a children’s play area with climbing frames and slides.   

The Council commissioned us to regenerate the park, to make it more welcoming for all users and to encourage more cycling. Our development plan focused on enhancing footpaths, furniture, landscaping, play areas and lighting.   

Process

Our expert team proposed the implementation of a new path around the perimeter of the park with new planting and trees to make the area greener. This also functioned as a continuation of the cycle route on the adjoining roads.  

In the park, there was also a need for new lighting, to make it inviting in low lit evenings but also to discourage anti-social behaviour at night and early mornings. The proposed lighting would help existing CCTV towers during these periods of the day.  

Our lighting strategy included:  

• Options for luminaires and columns to ensure the park had a modern and unique feel. The columns were privately fed, therefore we had to establish suitable locations for feeder pillars.  
• Three options for lighting materials to complement the proposed new layout for the pathways and furniture inside the park.  
• Discussions and recommendations regarding existing equipment, project constraints and proposed lighting levels.  

Outcome

Project Centre worked alongside architects for the children’s play areas to ensure the design’s cohesiveness.  

Our goal was to ensure the new lighting fits in and complements the landscape design and proposed furniture. We explored different lighting materials including two decorative luminaires and columns.   

The lighting on the walkways within the park also needed to be of a suitable level for night-time use to improve safety and overall user experience. The Council was satisfied with our proposed options and made empowered decisions through our detailed lighting strategy document.