MAIN CLIENT: Barnet Council consortium

PHASE 10 CLIENT: Durkan

Allen Pyke Associates were appointed in 2008 by a consortium including Barnet Council to provide landscape and public realm consultancy on this prestigious redevelopment of the former Inglis Barracks in north London.

The project which started on site in 2012 sought to create new hillside urban garden village that would form a sustainable community and be an exemplar for similar projects. The development comprises over 2,000 residential units, 5ha of public open space, a school, medical centre, business and commercial uses.

Allen Pyke are still involved with the project and have recently provided detailed landscape proposals for the tenth residential phase, which is now under construction.

BACKGROUND

The development sought to ensure the impact on the local environment was minimised and the suburban townscape character enhanced. The aim was to create a thriving and attractive place which sits comfortably within its context, protects the adjoining Green Belt and enhances the neighbouring areas.

Allen Pyke were part of the team that developed the masterplan and public realm. We prepared the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a comprehensive Landscape Strategy at the outline planning application stage which helped inform this. We then collaborated with the team to establish the key design principles for the development on aspects such as play and recreation provision, street tree planting, SUDs and improvements to biodiversity through contribution to the Design Code. Following outline planning approval we have been retained by the landowners to design all elements of the public realm and have also been appointed on several of the residential development phases.

PANORAMIC PARK

The Panoramic Park is located towards the top of the Hill offering great views looking south-east across Finchley, Hendon, Wembley and London beyond. It occupies a prominent location and forms a main north – south pedestrian spine through the development, linking to the Central Park, Public Square and Mill Hill East Station precinct.

The existing topography provided a significant challenge with a 10m level change from north to south. There were also groups of large, retained trees, which added character and maturity. Sculpting this space to accommodate areas of flatter ground for recreation and to accommodate an attenuation pond while not impacting on tree root protection areas was a challenge but the final design offers dynamic spaces and fantastic views. In addition it also provides a Neighbourhood Playable Space (min 500m²) with play provision for all ages.

OFFICERS’ MESS GARDENS

The former Officers Mess building which was converted to apartments complemented by the reimagined Officers Mess Gardens. The Officers Mess building dates from 1905 and the formal garden to the front contained a croquet lawn and the Regimental War memorial. The new gardens retained the basic structure and as many of the existing trees as possible. The refurbished gardens now provide opportunities for play and attenuation as part of the wider SuDs Strategy. A sunken lawn incorporates a rain garden that helps to manage runoff from the higher parts of the site, in extreme conditions this can overflow into an attenuation tank under the lawn. The gardens offer an intimate space for the new residents and an appropriate setting for the War Memorial.

SPECIFIC OUTPUTS

• Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
• Landscape Strategy
• SuDS Design
• Heritage Setting
• Wayfinding
• Planting Plans
• Construction Detailing
• Site Supervision