Landscape Architects from Allen Pyke, past and present, were pleased to be invited to the grand opening of Dowding Park. The 40 acre park was designed by Allen Pyke as part of the infrastructure open space at the St Andrews Park development in Uxbridge. Initial concept designs were prepared for the park in the site wide Design Code, which was included in the outline planning submission for the scheme in 2010, so it was great to see the park completed and open to the public for the first time. We also prepared detailed designs for the reserved matters application and for tender purposes.

The Park, which is in Green Belt, contains a play area, football pitches and a trim trail, set amongst existing mature trees. The park straddles the River Pinn and carefully balances recreational functions with ecological need. A new woodland, planted to commemorate the golden jubilee, and a bat house are some of the ecological features created.

The event also provided an opportunity to visit the new Battle of Britain Bunker visitor centre. The setting of the grade I bunker was an important consideration when designing the park. The striking new visitor centre will attract tourists and local residents alike to the park.