As Masterplan Consultants, Focus worked closely with stakeholders, group representatives and a large project team that comprised architects, planners, ecologists and community engagement specialists, to look at improving the biodiversity, sustainability and economic prospects for the park, its inhabitants and local residents, helping it to become an established regional destination.
Redbridge Council have bold plans to expand the park, adding 200 acres of green space plus further activities and facilities. Planned improvements to the nature reserve will enable a more varied use of the park and will cater for families and children. Whilst the park is relatively well used and offers an interesting mix of activities and facilities centred around a huge lake, diminishing membership numbers has resulted in the recent closure of both golf courses and the buildings are dilapidated.
The local area has historically been worked for gravel extraction. Recent permission has been granted for the final phase of gravel extraction which will be completed in the mid-late 2020’s and will subsequently benefit from enhanced restoration to improve landscaping, introduce nature conservation habitats and improve public access across restored land. The restoration provides an exciting opportunity to significantly expand the boundary of Fairlop Waters country park.
