Vauxhall Parkhistoric open landscape

The new masterplan acknowledges the need to accommodate a growing population of users, whilst preserving Vauxhall Park as a place of escape and tranquility.

A historic framework of trees is integral to the character of the park. Mature trees with high canopies allow views across the park to create a sense of wide open space, whilst also masking some of the surrounding buildings. A 40 year tree management strategy ensures their protection, and the removal of some of the mid level vegetation opens up the views further to celebrate the historic view across the park.

Creating a walk around the park connects the various community facilities and provides a place for walkers and runners to exercise. Strengthening relationships between the facilities, as well as creating physical links, helps facilities to operate as community resources.

The park has provided the community with growing space for a long time. Founder Octavia Hill, who was also the treasurer of the Kyrle Society, believed in ‘bringing beauty home to the people’ and supported small green spaces, window gardening and a love of flowers. Friends of Vauxhall Park and volunteer groups established a very popular lavender garden and the new masterplan provides a framework for gardening to continue to flourish. Planting new wildflower and grass landscapes creates a soft, sensory boundary to the main road, while vegetable and herb growing spaces provide new opportunities for community growing.