Rainham Riverside is linear ‘urban wild’ land between the River Thames and Easter Industrial Park where more than 1,000 people work. The site is 15 minutes’ walk across Rainham Marshes from the town centre and Rainham Station. The Riverside is book-ended by two new public realm interventions – a covered Belvedere structure, and the ‘Museum of Garden Escapes’ – providing seating, shade, and shelter for local workers and riverside walkers visiting the nearby RSPB Nature Reserve

The Belvedere is situated at a confluence of pedestrian routes behind the Thames flood defence wall, beside a large Tilda processing plant. The elevated deck provides views outwards across the tidal river towards Thamesmead and inwards over the species rich grassland of the urban wild. The Corten coloured steel structure references the site’s Murex ferroalloy foundry heritage. The angular design responds to the geometries of the landscape infrastructure.

Ecological surveys identified the grassland as an Open Mosaic Habitat (OMH), including garden escape plants. OMH is the 2nd most diverse habitat type after pockets of rare ancient woodland. The Museum of Garden Escapes is a reconstruction of the former Ferry Inn (latterly Three Crowns) footprint, from where passengers originally crossed the Thames by boat. The new courtyard garden showcases the garden escape plants to highlight the OMH’s value.

“Heartfelt thanks to our landscape architects Untitled Practice. Apart from their obvious design talents, they’ve tackled every unexpected challenge with composure and professionalism, showed exceptional attention to detail and stuck resolutely to their design principles, always with obvious love and care for what they do and 100% commitment to the BID as their client.” Eric Mollison, Chairman, London Riverside BID

“I welcome the opening of the Museum of Garden Escapes and the Belvedere, delivered as part of the Rainham SIL project in Havering. The Mayor’s Good Growth funding has been a catalyst for a wider programme of public realm improvements that address the needs of local businesses and their workforce at the same time as protecting and enhancing the green spaces and biodiversity in London’s industrial areas, contributing to building a greener, fairer, and more prosperous city for all.” Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Regeneration, GLA

“We’re delighted to see these two new spaces, which will provide our staff and visitors with somewhere to sit during lunch and tea breaks. We’re remote here from any amenities, shops or public transport and I know these facilities will be very well used and appreciated.” Jonathan Moreland, Managing Director, MJF Records (local business)

AJ Small Projects Award shortlisted project for London Riverside BID, with funding from GLA Good Growth and LB Havering. Photos and film by Barry Willis and UP.