Fairchild’s Garden

Client: Hackney Council

Landscape Architect: Ares Landscapes

Cost: £750,000

Duration: 6 months

Completion: May 2024

Location: Hackney

The Fairchild's Garden Improvement Project has transformed a previously under utilised and uninviting area into a welcoming, low-maintenance, and versatile space that seamlessly connects with its surroundings and caters to the needs of the local community.

Additionally, it will substantially reduce levels of anti-social behaviour, help to combat air pollution, and improve biodiversity.

The result is a distinctive, high-quality public space that subtly weaves the area's heritage into its design.

The Fairchild’s Garden Team, comprising Hackney Council, Ares Landscape Architects and Blakedown, worked collaboratively to ensure the success of this complex project.  Blakedown demonstrated best practice and provided valuable guidance to optimise both quality and value throughout the project. 

WORKS

Works included:

• Dismantling and clearing existing landscape finishes.  Excavation and removal of 80 cubic metres of contaminated materials.

• Establishing level access into and around the park.  The land-form sloped upwards towards the back of the site with a level change of approx. 1.5 metres.

• Widening of the main entrance and installation of feature paving directing views through the site.

• The inward extension of London stock retaining walls  together with the installation of a central feature bespoke solid granite staircase, complete with inlaid granite contrast strips and engraved lettering.

• Creation of an intricately paved central open area complete with formal and informal seating.

• Installation of a pre-fabricated kiosk and storage facility consisting of a kitchen, WC and storage area.

• Installation of a large bespoke raised timber platform around one of the mature London planes.

• Installation of a ramped access providing a direct route to the kiosk together with secondary circulation footpaths around the site.

• Installation of pedestrian paving, boundary fencing, handrails and balustrades together with a reinforced concrete retaining wall and structural slab.

• Installation of raised bespoke woven steel edgings encasing the central feature planting beds

• Planting – including boundary planting, structural planting, Fairchild inspired borders and ground cover planting, increasing the biodiversity of the site.

• Relocation of the memorial plaque of Thomas Fairchild and two other gravestones, requiring customised metalwork to support their re-positioning and upright display.

• Installation of electrical and public health servicescing environmental impact during construction

CHALLENGES:

Historical Site Considerations - Fairchild’s Garden is sited on an old burial ground, the last burial dating back to the mid to late 1800s.  Excavations were conducted under strict archaeological guidelines, supplemented on occasion by on-site monitoring in sensitive areas to ensure compliance with preservation protocols.

Complex Installation of Bespoke Woven Steel Planter Edgings – these presented challenges due to the intricate radius panels, variations in ground levels and their bespoke woven design.  Skilled workmanship was required to manipulate the material and accurately calculate falls and heights to meet the exact specifications outlined in the design.

Precise Paving Requirements – paving works were intricately designed and adhered to specific patterning, necessitating precise measuring, cutting and laying techniques.  The pattern integration of radii and perpendicular lines, alongside a diverse range of materials such as granite, limestone and concrete demanded expert workmanship and meticulous attention to detail.