Concept Masterplan – Building on the Harrow Road Place Plan objectives and public engagement, 5th Studio produced a conceptual vision structured around four layers: Landscape, High Street, Community Assets, Connectivity. Within the vision sits a framework of granular interventions, alongside larger schemes by key landowners, that come together to form a joined-up and deliverable masterplan for immediate and longer-term improvements.

Harrow Road Open Space – A series of improvements to the existing park seek to establish better visual and physical access to the canal, and foster a more welcoming environment. New landscaping, seating and lighting form a multi-functional outdoor room, opposite the library, for community use. New trees and planting alongside in-channel ecological improvements will create tranquil spaces along the terrace. There is potential for the space to be animated further with residential moorings and a pontoon.

Maida Hill Market – 5th Studio’s proposals seek to re-establish this important space at the core of the high street, as a forum for civic and community life. The existing area, vehicle-dominated and cluttered, will be transformed into a pedestrianised space with a dedicated cycle route. An attractive ‘grove’ with new woodland planting, seating and tables under existing trees, will offer a comfortable place to rest and socialise. New market infrastructure, paving and planters alongside existing shops and cafes, will support a vibrant ‘market street’ focussed on food and commerce. These moves allow the existing square, fronting Harrow Road, to function as a flexible open space for events and performance, adding to the vibrancy of the high street.

Westbourne Green Open Space – The project aims to add variety and character to this local asset, an existing park alongside the Grand Union Canal. The team has proposed ecological intensification of parts of the open space, with bulb planting under existing mature trees, a new orchard, and wetland planting forming a water feature that references the lost River Westbourne. A new parkland trail with educational nature markers, play features and seating, offers a quieter alternative to the existing shared pedestrian and cycle route. New access points in strategic locations open up vistas from existing buildings across the park to the towpath and canal.

Engagement – Local people have significantly shaped all three public realm projects, with engagement fully integrated with the design development process. 5th Studio held public events at key milestones, monthly community working groups and targeted sessions with marginalised groups. Championing an inclusive engagement process, the team also ran design workshops at several local state schools and community youth groups.