Winner of a prestigious BALI award, this project to regenerate St Mary’s Churchyard, in London’s Elephant & Castle, transformed the site from a grassed area, intersected by footpaths, to an attractive community park with playground.
The work involved removing the existing earth mounds, constructing new footpaths and plaza areas, installing colourful new playground equipment, lighting and street furniture, and restoring the listed boundary railings. Soft landscaping was also incorporated.
This park highlights what regeneration in Southwark is all about. It’s something everybody can use, regardless of how much you earn, where you live, where you were born.
“This park highlights what regeneration in Southwark is all about”, said Cllr Paul Noblet at the launch. “It’s something everybody can use, regardless of how much you earn, where you live, where you were born.”
The Bishop of Woolwich, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, added:
“This churchyard benefited from an earlier regeneration scheme in 1876, when by Act of Parliament it was decided that the previous church should be pulled down and that the churchyard should remain as a bigger open space for the benefit of the community.
“It’s wonderful now, at this time of renewal and new hope for the community and the next generation, that we start here as a sign of the promise of what is to come.”
This project was fulfilled by 
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About the contract
Client: Southwark Council
Architect: Martha Schwartz & Partners
Funded by: London Development Agency
Contract value: £1,100,000
Contract duration: 12 months
Date: 2008
