The largest green space in Lewisham has begun its £3 million improvement works, in a bid to protect 200 nearby homes from flooding.  

Beckenham Place Park East Side’s improvement works are funded by Lewisham Council, the Environment Agency and the Mayor of London’s Green and Resilient Spaces Fund, which finances projects to prevent climate emergencies. 

Shirley Rodrigues, London Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy said: “The climate crisis is one of the biggest global threats we face today. In London, the heatwaves, wildfires and flash flooding we’ve experienced in recent years have highlighted the capital’s vulnerability to climate change.”  

She added: “Improving green spaces and rivers will strengthen London’s climate resilience, increase biodiversity, boost Londoners’ well-being and help build a better, greener London for everyone.” 

Environmental charity Thames21 is also working on the initiative by arranging a volunteer programme to clean the River Ravensbourne which runs through the park 

Landscape architects from Building Design Partnership (BDP) conceived the rewilding, planting and landscaping that will encourage drainage and introduce new wildlife to the area. 

BDP Landscape architect Mounia Chaoul said: “Beckenham Place Park is regarded as one of the finest wildlife sites in Lewisham borough and in an era where biodiversity loss is at an all-time high, its significance to London’s flora and fauna cannot be understated.”

Residents can expect occasional diversions, suspensions and the closure of the playground while new facilities are built by contractors from T Loughman & Co Ltd. New facilities will include a new playground, café and outdoor gym.