THE PADDOCK - BALI National Landscape Awards 2025

Award: BALI National Landscape Award

Category: Hard Landscaping Construction Over £500k

The Paddock is a £1.5 million public realm regeneration that has transformed an outdated town-centre space into a modern, welcoming and inclusive public realm. The scheme enhances accessibility, biodiversity and identity at the heart of Chatham, re-establishing important pedestrian links between the High Street, the waterfront and the Great Lines fortifications.

Blakedown’s works combined precision construction with high-quality detailing, including solid granite retaining walls, extensive granite paving and steps, resin-bound access paths and Corten steel features. A new amphitheatre with engraved granite seating incorporates a historic map of Chatham, creating a distinctive focal point for community use.

Further enhancements included new entrances, engraved name slabs, accessible lawned areas and soft landscaping with over 16,000 plants selected to maximise biodiversity. Specialist soil handling addressed the site’s heavy clay conditions, while a sustainable approach saw site-won materials carefully re-used and recycled.

The result is a resilient, accessible and distinctive public space that celebrates Chatham’s heritage while providing a long-term asset for residents, businesses and visitors