Kennington Oval Reimagined is a local neighbourhood project which transformed the public realm, creating vibrant, sustainable, child friendly streets. The project area contains the Kennington Park estate, the iconic Oval Cricket Ground and 2 primary schools. 68% of households here don't have access to a car, so Lambeth & Meristem reimagined the space for people to spend time and children to play. 

Creating over 1900m2 of traffic free space

In June 2024, we launched Kennington Oval Reimagined under an Experimental Traffic Order, using traffic filters, colourful planters, art, play features and more to reimagine the local streets. Across the neighbourhood, we created over 1900m2 of traffic free space. We used street furniture and colourful paint to create spaces where children can play The Floor is Lava, Foursquare, table tennis and cricket. We also co-designed a play trail with children from Henry Fawcett Primary, made from logs, boulders and colourful paint. The streets of this neighbourhood are completely transformed. It is now a space where people can easily walk, wheel and play. It's a space where kids can be kids. 

Installing green infrastructure

As part of the public-realm improvements, Meristem Design installed 166 steel planters, 33 benches, 75 m² of new parklets and decking. 17 new trees, and over 2,000 shrubs, grasses, herbs and flowers were also planted, aiming to enhance biodiversity, provide shade/greenery, and improve air quality and amenity. 

Planting scheme

The planting palette prioritised resilient and drought-tolerant species, alongside natives such as Viburnum, to thrive in varying conditions and provide year-round and seasonal interest. To create engaging and community-friendly spaces, edible herbs including thyme and rosemary, were planted to add sensory to the scheme, providing interest and reinforcing the project’s connection to everyday local use. 

The planting plan included tree species such as Malus ‘Evereste’, Magnolia grandiflora and Amelanchier canadensis, increasing the area’s climate resilience by cooling streets through the planted canopy and benefitting the local wildlife. 

Maintenance and school nature workshops

Meristem Design have provided 60 regular maintenance visits since the initial installation of the project; ensuring planting remains lush and vibrant. Over 1500 bulbs have been planted during these visits, some of which were planted during workshops with local school children from Henry Fawcett Primary School. The planting workshops taught the children practical planting skills and foster a sense of ownership over their green spaces.

Impact after a year

Following extensive engagement and monitoring, Lambeth Council made the project permanent in November 2025. Monitoring outcomes showed the scheme was a success:

  • 19.4% of sustainable kerbside space

  • Cycling levels reached 41%

  • 1 full-closure school street

  • A 34% reduction in vehicle traffic