A ‘public space’ evokes an inclusive neighbourhood centre to meet, and a social space to sit in the shade of a tree. Although Dulwich benefits from extensive open green spaces, and an active streetscape, it has been lacking this type of meeting place. This was particularly evident during Covid-19 when the junction of Court Lane, Carlton Avenue and Dulwich Village was closed to traffic and the result was a safe social space for local people to meet outdoors, creating an instant draw.
It marked the beginning of a design and consultation process that would transform the asphalt roads and narrow pavements into a new public realm that prioritises the movement of pedestrians and cyclists, creating a place for locals to meet and linger. After a period of public consultation, the project was brought forward to construction in 2024 as a key ‘Streets for People’ project by Southwark Council. Coordinating the works with Dulwich Estate’s own street improvements benefits both projects further.
The public realm project was followed closely by the Dulwich Society to ensure the new designs respected the historic and sensitive context of Dulwich Village. The views to and through the public space are maintained with a new vista from Carlton Avenue to Dulwich Hamlet Junior School, framed by trees. The temporary informal arrangement of benches and spill-out tables and chairs from shops are now organised as pocket spaces to allow individuals and groups to enjoy in good weather through the year.
Underpinning the design, though, is a clear message that sustainable strategies are important for the long-term success of our public spaces. These are often in competition for space with the abundance of services found below our streets, but were fortunately prioritised in this project. The movement of water through Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) will be successfully managed through planted areas, reducing the potential for flooding while also enhancing the biodiversity and enjoyment of the space.
Much more planting has been introduced, particularly large trees that will assist in mitigating the effects of climate change. The selection and placement of trees is directly informed by their ability to survive and thrive in different environments. Even in a small urban space, the change in microclimate means that the best placement of a water-tolerent Ulmus (Elm) is in the partial shade of the mature graveyard trees, while the Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) and Pinus nigra (Black Pine) are located in the hot and dry central space.
The SuDs-appropriate tree planting also includes scented flowering varieties such as Sorbus intermedia Brouwers (Swedish Whitebeam), and Phellodendron amurense (Cork Tree) that support pollinators in spring, with berries for birds later in the season. The inclusion of a Carpinus betulus (Common Hornbeam) and Gleditsia (Honey Locust) at the corner of Court Lane will add an abundance of colour through the seasons. In particular, the group of Liquidambar styraciflua Worplesdon (Sweet Gum) along the cycleway will create a memorable arrival experience, with intense autumn colours.
Wider pavements and an open public area are paved with sandstone that was reviewed in situ by stakeholders to agree the final colour tones. The natural stone, in smaller sized setts, is used in the integrated cycle route to create continuity across this civic space. Where possible, existing materials and street furniture were re-used, either in the project or in the wider community, promoting the principles of a circular economy.
The use of high-quality materials, semi-mature trees and biodiverse planting support a long-term sustainable vision and, at this early stage, the new public realm appears to balance the needs of people, nature and the historic built environment. It will be some time before the construction is complete and the planting can be fully appreciated, but its success will be measured in the future by the community’s use and enjoyment of this new addition to Dulwich Village.
By Donncha O Shea, Environment Group member and landscape architect