Southwark's Little Dorrit Park is poised for a significant upgrade, thanks to the release of £577,522.84 from Section 106 agreements, local officials announced Wednesday.
The funds, derived from planning obligations linked to various developments, will be channelled into enhancing the park's infrastructure, improving safety, and creating a more inviting space for walking and recreation.
Located in the Borough and Bankside ward, Little Dorrit Park has been identified as an area with limited open space provision. The planned improvements aim to address this deficiency and align with several key council strategies, including Southwark 2030, the Southwark Nature Action Plan, and the council's Sport and Physical Activity Strategy.
The Planning Committee (Major Applications) A discussed the project at their meeting on Wednesday 2 July 2025. According to the Public reports pack, feedback from a Design Out Crime officer and an Equalities Impact Assessment were also considered in the planning process. The assessments highlighted the importance of good sightlines, suitable surfaces, safety, and inclusive play equipment.
The project includes several key elements, addressing concerns raised in both the Design Out Crime officer's assessment and the Equalities Impact Assessment:
- Fencing off the play area to create a safer and more defined space. The play area design will include an accessible round-about, basket swing, and accessible trampoline. The climbing equipment includes accessible ramps and a wide slide.
- Resurfacing pathways to improve accessibility, with level thresholds to remove existing kerb restrictions.
- Installing new streetlights to enhance safety and visibility, adhering to BS 5489 2020 standards.
- Planting twelve new trees, hedgerows, woodland understory and flowering species for pollinators to increase green space and biodiversity.
To address security concerns identified by the Design Out Crime officer, the project will incorporate several measures:
- Improving sightlines by removing the old, deteriorating wall on the western boundary between the park and Disney Place.
- Improving entrances and pathways, including zigzag paths to deter robbery.
- Installing self-closing gates to the playpark.
- Ensuring regular maintenance to remove graffiti and litter.
- Considering the installation of mobile CCTV in lamp columns.
- Ensuring a clear stem on trees and vegetation to avoid hiding places.
The Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) also informed several design choices:
- Replacing the gates to the main entrance on Borough High Street with lighter gates.
- Providing a level link between the Little Dorrit Garden and the Peace Garden by removing the sunken mosaic.
- Installing accessible seating throughout the park, catering to older residents and pregnant people.
The improvements are intended to contribute to a safer, healthier, and greener Southwark, aligning with the council's broader goals for the borough.