Juniper Pocket Park
The transformation of a paved Walthamstow site into a greener, safer public space, using rain gardens to reduce flood risk while improving biodiversity, accessibility and community wellbeing.
Location
Central London
Client
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Partner
Root and Erect, Meristem Design
Sector
Urban Infrastructure
Theme
Urban Regeneration, Retrofit, Nature
Services Provided
Civic provided the transportation and civil engineering and sustainable drainage design for the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The existing area of public realm had experienced localised surface water flooding, with rainwater collecting and flooding an adjoining café. Working closely with the public realm and planting designers, Civic developed a series of integrated rain gardens that intercept water running off the surrounding paved areas before it can accumulate.
The rain gardens temporarily hold the water, filter it naturally through soil and planting, and release it gradually back into the sewer system. Civic carefully coordinated the site levels, drainage routes and connections so that these features could form part of the landscape while continuing to perform as essential infrastructure.
Civic also provided transport design and assessment to ensure the public realm area remained welcoming for people while accommodating essential vehicle access. Desire-line analysis was used to understand how pedestrians and cyclists naturally move through the space, while vehicle tracking tested the routes and turning space required for servicing and maintenance vehicles. Rather than relying on visually intrusive barriers, Civic worked with the wider design team to position boulders, rain gardens and planting as natural vehicle deterrents. These landscape-led measures discourage illegal parking and prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas while contributing to the park’s character, drainage performance and biodiversity.
Delivered alongside Root and Erect, Meristem Design and Riney Contractors, the completed area of public realm combines resilient planting, new places to sit, public art, enhanced lighting and improved accessibility. It demonstrates how thoughtful civil engineering can work quietly within the landscape - reducing flood risk while supporting biodiversity and creating a more enjoyable place for people.
Juniper Pocket Park was shortlisted for Best Project – Small at the 2026 ICE London Awards.
