Craving a green escape near a modern marvel? You’ve arrived at Thames Barrier Park. This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history. The Thames Barrier Park is a 7-hectare green space. It’s located in the Royal Docks in Newham. The Greater London Authority manages it.
Opened in November 2000, it became London’s largest new riverside park in over 50 years. The Thames Barrier Park is named for its location. It sits on the north side of the River Thames next to the Thames Barrier. The park aimed to help regenerate the area. It created an attractive public space. This sits alongside residential and commercial developments.
Allain Provost from Groupe Signes and Patel Taylor designed the Thames Barrier Park. They won an international competition in 1995. The park has a fresh, modern look. It features adventurous planting and dancing water fountains.
But here’s a surprising fact. The Thames Barrier Park sits on a former industrial site. It was once home to the PRChemicals factory. This was one of the country’s most polluted sites. Decontaminating the site took many years before the park could be built.
The Thames Barrier Park boasts several notable features. There are 32 fountains in a stone courtyard. You will find family-friendly areas. These include children’s play and picnic spots. Keep in mind that the fountains are temporarily closed. This is due to development works at Pontoon Dock.
One of the most eye-catching elements is the Green Dock. This is a 130-foot-long sunken garden. It runs diagonally through the Thames Barrier Park. The Green Dock is a reminder of the site’s dockland heritage. It also provides a wind-protected microclimate. This benefits a variety of plants and wildlife. Two bridges cross the Green Dock. They reveal vistas across colourful gardens. You will discover extensive lawns crossed by gravel pathways. Yew and maygreen hedges border the lawns.
The Thames Barrier Park is carefully maintained. It displays variety throughout the year. It also provides a habitat for birds and insects. The park has even received the Green Flag Award seven years running. This award recognizes well-managed parks and green spaces.
If you get hungry or thirsty during your visit, check out With Milk. This café features a stone-baked pizza oven. It offers 180-degree views of the park.
Getting here is easy. Pontoon Dock DLR station is the closest. Cycle paths lead to the park. Bus routes include the new Superloop. You can even take the Uber Boat from Royal Wharf Pier.
So, take a stroll. Enjoy the views. Remember the history beneath your feet. The Thames Barrier Park offers a unique London experience.