Three Mills Green
A public park where recreation, heritage and ecology meet
Carved out of the Lea Valley by the river, Three Mills Green provides valuable public green space in an area defined by rapid regeneration
London has too few new parks, so we were delighted to design this project on the Olympic Fringe. Set against a backdrop of beautiful listed mill buildings, this valuable green space allows visitors to engage in a spot of sport, or simply to kick back and relax as the River Lea drifts by.
The main body of the park emerges from a simple, circular form that’s pressed into the ground plane. The resulting amphitheatre creates the perfect space for sports and events, with hardy turf chosen to take the strain.
Visitors can meander along the Prescott Channel to find Wild Kingdom – a natural play area that’s woven into the ecological fabric, inspiring kids to let their imagination run free.
In Three Mills Walk –where benches overlook gently bobbing narrow boats – we have built the first stretch of The Fat Walk, a project run by 5th Studio to link the River Lea to the Thames via an 8.5 mile long linear green space.
"Everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature, to hear birdsong and to smell the sharp tang of fallen autumn leaves. It’s fundamental to our wellbeing.’
