Northala Fields
Northala Fields opened to the public in spring 2008 and is one of the most exciting and significant park developments in London for many years. The project began in 2000 with Ealing Council's decision to transform derelict land that was once Kensington and Chelsea's Playing Fields. Since August 2004 waste from the original Wembley Stadium the new White City shopping centre were used to create the new park. What is exciting about Northala Fields is the economic and environmental viability of turning waste into an opportunity and man-made materials into new habitats for wildlife and a range of recreational facilities.
The new park includes everything from model boating and play areas, to an amphitheatre. The park’s most dramatic feature, its four overlapping conical mounds - the tallest measuring 26 metres - shield the park from noise and visual pollution from the adjacent A40.
Northolt and Greenford Countryside Park Society
The society is made up of people from the local community.
It ensures that the park is retained as an area of natural
beauty, which is safe, enhances the environment and improves local
amenities. Active engagement of local people has been important to
the park's success. For example, local schoolchildren were involved
in the design of the playground and mosaic feature, which they get
to use.
Background
Northala Fields lies within the
Northolt and Greenford Countryside Park (pdf).
The site covers an area of approximately 18.5 hectares (45 acres)
to the south of the A40, between Kensington Road and Church Road
(Target roundabout).
Development proposals for the new park emerged from public consultation and a design competition in 2000. The council agreed that local residents should be actively involved in the design of the site. To achieve this a number of public meetings and workshops were held to develop ideas for the park. The Northolt and Greenford Countryside Park Society members were key players in this process.
A contract for the construction of the new park was awarded to CJ Pryors in 2002. Ealing Council granted planning permission in June 2004 and works officially started on site in August 2004.
Key design features include:
- large earth mounds along the A40 edge of the site will help reduce noise pollution and form a unique landmark for the park and borough. The tallest of these mounds will reach up to 26m above ground level
- water features include separate lakes for model boating, fishing, and wildlife, including a network of streams to collect surface overflow and improve the adjacent golf course. It is hoped that the operation of the fishing lakes will be leased with adequate provisions to ensure affordable public access
- the path network through the site will create links across the area for both pedestrians and cycles. The main route links Church Road and the Target roundabout to Kensington Road. It leads into the heart of the park, to the proposed building and lakes. Other routes link to Rectory Fields and Northolt Golf Club
- children's play facilities for children up to 14 years of age will be provided adjacent to Dolphin Road. A range of informal natural play will also be provided in the centre of the park
- seating and litter bins will be located throughout the park
- a wide range of ecosystems will be developed within the area, including different types of woodland, meadow and wetland habitats
- the main vehicle access and car parking for the park will be provided off the slip road from Kensington road onto the A40. Overflow car parking is proposed off Kensington Road. This can be accessed from the main entrance near Dolphin Road.
Painting of Northala Fields - by local artist
Hannah Sherri Young (pdf)
Painting completed from Dolphin Road and Kensington Road
boundary of the park. The painting was completed by a
talented local student Hannah Sherri Young.
Artist impression of what the site will look like
from the Target Roundabout looking east (jpeg)
Artist impression of what the site will look like
from the A40 looking west (jpeg)