B|D Landscape Architects | Landscape Architecture | Urban Design | Space-Making

Family Welcome Centre

Harold Hill’s innovative Family Welcome Centre is expected to be the first of its kind in the UK, providing short-term accommodation for up to 70 vulnerable families and individuals whilst permanent housing is found for them. The scheme will form a key part of the wider Farnham and Hilldene Estate regeneration plans, and the site sits opposite the local district centre.

The landscape will be a crucial part of the Family Welcome Centre scheme, providing residents with vital outdoor spaces to socialise, relax, and connect with nature.

Key aspirations for the scheme comprise a welcoming and biodiverse public realm, as well as a central private courtyard space that will cater for residents from a wide variety of backgrounds and ages. A range of spaces are proposed for the central courtyard, including secluded pockets for reflection and relaxation, nodes for families to meet, and open space for children to play, run and stretch.

We are working closely with the design team and client to develop stages 2 and 3 of the landscape design, with the planning application expected in early 2022.

Client: London Borough of Havering
Architects: Hawkins\Brown
Landscape Budget: Confidential
Status: Planning