Inventory Site Record

Thames Barrier Park, so-named due to its proximity to the Thames Barrier, has been formed on a patch of derelict land previously in industrial use since the late 1860s. Planning for a park here began in the 1980s under the Greater London Council, and it was created under the auspices of the London Docklands Development Corporation and English Partnerships. It represents the first new public park along the Thames riverfront for nearly 50 years.

Site location:

North Woolwich Road

Postcode:

E16 2HP

What 3 Words:

stir.last.yappy

Type of site:

Public Park

Borough:

Newham

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

7am - dusk

Special conditions:

Facilities:

playground, car park

Events:

Public transport:

Rail: Silvertown & City Airport. DLR: Silvertown; Pontoon Dock. Tube: Canning Town (Jubilee) then DLR. Bus: 474.

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

01/04/2011

Last minor changes:

14/07/2022

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.lda.rroom.net/projects/thames-barrier-park

Thames Barrier Park was designed by the French landscape architect Alain Provost, who was responsible for the Parc André Citroën on the River Seine in Paris, working with horticulturalist Alain Cousseran. Due to its industrial past the land was badly contaminated and the initial land treatment works cost c.£8.5million. The first tree in the new park was planted in January 1998 by the Lord Mayor of London, and it was opened to the public in 2000. The layout includes a Fountain Plaza, sculptural hedges and tree planting, grassed areas with gravel walks, a 'rainbow garden' created by bands of planting within the sunken Green Dock, which is accessible as well as being overlooked by bridges, an event area, playground, café and riverside promenade. The high, timber-decked 'pavilion' at the end of the Green Dock on the river walkway has a series of wave-like curved benches, one of which has an inscription dedicating the pavilion to Newham's victims of war, killed in the Blitz in WWII. This Pavilion of Remembrance was designed by architect Andrew Taylor. Responsibility for Thames Barrier Park remains with the London Development Agency.

Sources consulted:

information board

Grid ref:

TQ412800 (541255,180001)

Size in hectares:

8.9034

Site ownership:

London Development Agency

Site management:

London Development Agency

Date(s):

1998-2001

Designer(s):

Alain Provost

Listed structures:

None

On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No

Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No

Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

No

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

No

In Conservation Area:

No

Tree Preservation Order:

No

Nature Conservation Area:

No

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

No

Other LA designation:

Major Opportunity Zone; Major Leisure Attraction

Thames Barrier Park - Photo: Colin Wing
Date taken: 20/07/17 16:22

Click a photo to enlarge.

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