New ‘parklet’ opens in Hither Green
By Davina Hyde
Parks have proved a lifeline in lockdown – and a new adaptable outdoor structure in Lewisham means local people there have another one to enjoy.
The ‘parklet’ has been built across nine car parking spaces in Staplehurst Road, near Hither Green railway station.
“The Arc” is the latest community project in Lewisham created by Ford-owned e-scooter company Spin.
“The structure is built from mainly reused materials, including naturally fallen ash tree branches that have been used for the support beams.
The platform is 22 metres by five metres, making it the largest parklet in London, and creates an open sided shelter for the community once lockdown restrictions are eased.
The parklet is to stay for 12 months and includes a wooden canopy with a 10-metre table space in front of local businesses Blue Marlin, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, Hither Green Cafe and Favourable Chicken and Ribs.
The parklet has a bicycle rack, and will have space for electronic scooters if scooters are legalised next year.
Local artists contributed by installing murals and planting ferns and herbs to create a green space.
Lewisham councillor Sophie McGeever said: “We hope that this new parklet will help with social distancing and allow local businesses to serve more customers in a Covid-secure way.
“It was made possible through the work of the e-scooter sharing company Spin and community space designer YesMake.”
Kay Cheng, Spin Streets Programme Director, said: “Through our Spin Streets programme we are committed to helping UK communities by making their streets safer, more liveable and enjoyable for everyone, be it pedestrians, cyclists, and hopefully soon e-scooter riders.
“For now, we need to stay indoors but when people do pop out for essential shopping or outdoor exercise this space serves as an urban pit stop whilst supporting local businesses doing takeaways during these challenging times.”
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With regard to the new parklet…built at Hither Green to promote social distancing. I have passed it many times in the car. The space underneath the parklet would be enough for maybe 10 people at any given time…maybe 5 sets of 2 people. ( Using the 2 meter rule ) I passed it on Saturday when it was raining. There were 30 people underneath it….no social distancing whatsoever, people shouting, mixing, very few had masks on. Beautiful structure, such a shame that the people who use it on a daily basis, don’t seem to realise that there is currently a virus, and that we need to take care