Kennington Oval Reimagined

Kennington Oval Reimagined

Designed by Accredited Supplier, Meristem Design to create child-friendly public spaces for the community and visitors, the completed project enhances the aesthetics and functionality of the area, whilst providing new green spaces and seating around The Oval and in front of local schools.

The Kennington Oval Healthy Neighbourhood trial has introduced vehicle restrictions to:

• Kennington Oval
  Clayton Street
  Bowling Green Street

Local schools with new seating:

• Henry Fawcett Nursery
  St Marks Primary

Blooming Installations: Creating New Green Spaces 

The transformation includes:

166 galvanised powder-coated steel planters: Helping improve air quality and reduce pollution, the planters are providing vibrant splashes of blue, yellow and pink, beautifying the area and creating a more inviting atmosphere. Strategically placed, the planters are helping to build a safer and more playful environment, whilst boosting biodiversity and creating rich habitats.

33 benches and 75m2 of parklets/decking: Providing more open space for children to engage and connect with nature, we have delivered new areas for them to explore and learn about plants, friendly pollinators and their environment.

Complementing the school street which was launched in February 2024 outside St Mark’s Primary School by Lambeth Council, the new seating areas will benefits parents and pupils during school drop-off and pick-up times, promoting a safer environment.

17 new trees: Increasing the area’s climate resilience, trees have been planted to provide necessary shade to the streets, benefit local wildlife and improve air quality.

Tree species include:

• Malus 'Evereste' - Apple
  Arbutus unedo - Strawberry
  Magnolia grandiflora - Evergreen magnolia
  Amelanchier canadensis - Serviceberry

Over 2000 grasses, shrubs, herbs and flowers: Adding vibrancy and colour, Meristem Design were busy planting over 2000 plants and herbs in the planters, benches and decking areas. Not only creating more aesthetically pleasing community spaces, but attracting key pollinators and boosting biodiversity.

Plant species include:

• Crocosmia 'Lucifer' Montbretia 'Lucifer'
  Liriope muscari Turf Lily
  Phalaris arundinacea Gardener's garters
  Vinca minor atropurpurea Dark purple-flowered periwinkle

500m of Mural Design

Murals, floor paint and markings: Vibrant artworks that add colour and character to the area. Fun and engaging designs on the pavement to encourage play and movement. Artist and designer Rosie Foden delivered almost 500 metres of road mural around Oval Cricket ground.

'The design gives a nod to the Oval cricket ground with abstract cricket references as well as play on way features for the kids like trial runs, hop scotch, champ squares and floor is lava games.

Organic shapes and a cohesive colour palette to match the planters bring the space together to create a more vibrant and safer space for people to enjoy.

In this car free zone you can play ping pong, football, cricket or just sit on one of the benches and enjoy some peace.'

- Rosie Foden, Mural Designer and Artist 

Further enhancement to the space 

As part of the wider public realm enhancement initiative, Lambeth Council has also provided:

• Boulders and logs: Natural play equipment for children to explore and enjoy.
  Litter bins: Strategically placed to maintain cleanliness.
  Cycle parking: Facilities to encourage cycling as a mode of transport.

Play Streets: Reclaiming our roads for fun

Supporting Lambeth Council’s ambitions to be a UNICEF UK Child Friendly borough, the new installations help young people feel welcome to explore freely and safely in their neighbourhood.

'We want children to feel confident exploring their local area with confidence, which is why we are reducing the amount of traffic coming through the area as well as creating new, safe spaces for our young people we can benefit their health and wellbeing.

'We believe that taking a more holistic approach to improving our streets will play a significant part in making Lambeth a fairer, more accessible and climate resilient borough for everyone.'

Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air - Love Lambeth