Landowner Eastern Quarry Ltd, alongside Define Planning and Design successfully presented ambitious plans for 5.57 hectare of the overall 19-hectare urban park.
Ebbsfleet Development Corporation has approved plans for the southern section of a new Major Urban Park’s within the Whitecliffe development, as part of ambitions to facilitate the delivery of high-quality accessible green and blue spaces for the growing community in the Garden City. Upon completion, the Major Urban Park will serve as a leading outdoor space, offering an expansive, beautifully designed setting for the public to enjoy.
The landscape design throughout the Major Urban Park has been influenced by Principal Artist Chris Tipping, reflecting the site’s rich history and unique character. Alongside this, extensive public engagement has helped inform the designs, including:
- the introduction of a skate park and basketball court
- teen focused social spaces
- keep fit gym equipment
- community and sensory gardens
- flat useable grassed areas
- splash water play
‘Secured by Design’, ‘Safer Parks’ and ‘Make Space for Girls’ design principles have been reflected to improve the safety and inclusion of all users, especially women and girls. These principles will continue into the detailed design stages that follow this planning approval.
‘Inclusive design’ has also been considered in the plans, specifically catering for users with different neurodivergent needs such as dementia and autism. A range of different routes and spaces, including quieter, sensory led spaces, are being provided which allow for a choice for users away from more active or vibrant areas. A dementia-friendly design audit has been conducted by the Corporation and confirms that the design scores well, achieving 24 greens out of the 28 assessment criteria, ensuring that the scheme will be accessible to an ageing population and those living with dementia.
The Major Urban Park is situated between Alkerden and Ashmere neighbourhoods in the centre of Whitecliffe, 2km west of Ebbsfleet International train station. Communities in Dartford and Gravesham will enjoy easy access to the park via public transport, as it lies adjacent to the proposed new Fastrack route through Whitecliffe. The park will contain several routes suitable for walking and cycling that are well connected to the wider travel links. Informal leisure routes run north-south on either side of the park allowing pedestrians and cyclists to move easily between the southern and northern sections.
Construction is anticipated to commence towards the end of 2025, with first phases of the Major Urban Park expected to open in 2027.