Cornmill Gardens in Lewisham was voted Best New Public Space at the London Planning Awards on 24 February 2009.
There were seven award categories on the day and Cornmill Gardens won the category after competing against three other shortlisted schemes:
- The Historic Ridge at Danson Park in Bexley
- Potters Field Park in Southwark
- Swallow and Vine Street improvements by the Crown Estate
The scheme cost £2.2m in total and was completed in July 2007. This is the fourth award Cornmill Gardens has won. Other awards include:
- Best Streetscape Project, Horticulture Week Landscape and Amenity Awards 2007
- Winner of the Waterways category, Local Government News Street Design Awards 2008
- Winner of the Civic Trust Award 2008
Cornmill Gardens has also been commended or shortlisted for six other awards over the years.
Councillor Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor of Lewisham, said: “Cornmill Gardens sets the standard for regeneration schemes in our town centre and I’m absolutely delighted that it has been given the title of best new public space in London.”
“The involvement of local people in the design of the Gardens means that all the areas of the new park work really well. The play areas are popular with families and it’s a great route along the river for people going to and from the station. With a new school and leisure centre on their way in Lewisham, Cornmill Gardens is exactly the sort of space we need in the town centre.”