Competition launched to redesign Bermondsey park bisected by busy road

New London Architecture and Southwark council have launched a competition to redesign a park in Bermondsey.

The competition is asking architects and designers to submit ideas for a new masterplan for Bramcote Park.

It is being funded by £550,000 in section 106 contributions from the regeneration of the nearby Old Kent Road.

The competition is looking for a design that reflects the local heritage and diverse communities that live and work in the area.

The park, which is owned by G15 housing associations and competition co-organisers Notting Hill Genesis and Optivo, is currently split into two by a traffic-heavy road.

A design is being sought which links the park’s two disjointed sections by discouraging vehicle use along the road with speed reducing measures and better crossings for pedestrians.

Southwark council cabinet member for the climate emergency and sustainable development Helen Dennis said the scheme could have a “real and meaningful social impact” which could improve the park for “generations to come”.

London Festival of Architecture director Rosa Rogina added that the covid-19 lockdown had highlighted the importance of good open spaces in cities.

She said: “This open call is a chance to explore innovative and creative design solutions that can provide an inviting and accessible public realm experience - returning important park amenities to community use and re-establishing Bramcote Park as a key point of connection of the local area.”

Up to six shortlisted teams will be awarded a £1,000 honorarium to develop their proposals, which will feature in a public exhibition in November.

Entries will be judged by a panel including Creativethinking founding director Aida Esposito, London Festival of Architecture director Rosa Rogina, Optivo technical and design chief Sanjiv Sangha, Old Kent Road head of regeneration Colin WIlson and two local resident representatives.

Interested applicants have until midday on 21 October to submit their proposals.