Residents have given Ealing Council the thumbs up for a new regional park in the borough. It is hoped it could prove to be as transformative for west London as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has been for east London.

When the council ran a consultation on the plan, between October and December, more than 6,000 people took part and shared their views. There was resounding support for the idea of a regional park with more than 77% supporting it. There was also strong backing for a new outdoor cultural venue in the park, with more than 73% giving this their seal of approval. Detailed analysis of all the responses is under way and will be shared with residents shortly.

To help the council develop more detailed plans for the regional park, internationally recognised architects, Prior + Partners have just been appointed. They will be leading further consultation over the next 3 months and will work on a draft masterplan for the new park with help from other experts, including award-winning landscape architects.

Council leader Peter Mason said: “We want to thank the 6,000-plus people who took part in the consultation. We are very pleased that so many people took the time to let us know what they think of the proposed first regional park in the borough and what they want to see in it.”

‘A game-changer’

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, said: “Ealing’s new regional park will be a game-changer for our work on reducing the impact of the climate emergency.

“Creating a new green lung down the centre of our borough, a park of this size will mark a step-change in our plan to improve Ealing’s climate resilience. It will boost drainage and prevent flooding, provide more shade from hotter weather, clean up our air and create new opportunities for re-wilding and habitat building. It will stand out in London as a place for people to get active, whether it’s walking, running, cycling or scooting, to connect with nature, enjoy wildlife and breathe fresh air.”

Green space, sport and culture

Councillor Polly Knewstub, cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “We know how important green spaces are for our communities, particularly for mental and physical wellbeing. A regional park on our doorstep would unlock access to green space to meet friends, play sports and experience world class music and performance and arts.”

Prior + Partners chief executive Jason Prior, who was a leading figure behind the design and delivery of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, said: ‘’A new regional park for Ealing will have London-wide significance, providing a major green space for the borough and far beyond.

“Our team look forward to working with Ealing Council to realise its extraordinary vision, and together with stakeholders and the community, bring forward a masterplan that can promote health and wellbeing, strengthen climate resilience and unlock local economic opportunities.”