Chandos Recreation Ground

Project Overview

Delivered as part of the Action for Silk Stream programme, this project provides major natural flood management (NFM), river restoration and public realm improvements within one of Harrow’s busiest urban parks. Acting as principal delivery partner to Ground Control, PVR provided full site coordination, stakeholder liaison and management of the integrated earthworks, SuDS and landscaping programme.

Ground Control Ltd for London Borough of Harrow & London Borough of Barnet
Subcontractor – Earthworks, Watercourse Reprofiling, SuDS, Hard & Soft Landscaping
Natural Flood Management / Parks
£2,000,000 (Chandos) | Combined Programme Value: £3.5m–£5m
November 2024 – July 2025
Park-wide NFM and public realm interventions
Chandos Recreation Ground, Camrose Avenue, Harrow, HA8 6JD
Borough Biodiversity Corridors

Scope of Works

Natural Flood Management & River Restoration

- Earthworks, river realignment and watercourse reprofiling
- De-culverting and hydrological improvements
- Flex-MSE vegetated walls, swales, bioengineering, wetland zones
- Sediment control and berm formation
SuDS & Public Realm Enhancements

- SuDS wetlands, infiltration features and swales
- New boardwalks, bridges, viewing platforms
- Path upgrades, access improvements and car park surfacing
Habitat Creation & Biodiversity Net Gain

- Wildflower meadows, riparian planting and rewilding
- Strengthening borough biodiversity corridors
Buildings & Infrastructure

- Modular buildings for cricket maintenance, Friends group and club operations

Highlights & Key Benefits

Major reduction in surface water flood risk

Significant biodiversity uplift through habitat creation
Climate-resilient SuDS integrated into a complex urban landscape
Improved visitor experience and recreational access
Carbon reduction through reuse of site materials

Project Delivery Challenges & Solutions

Live public park: Phased routes and safe diversions maintained access

Ecological constraints: Daily involvement of ecologists to protect sensitive habitats
Stakeholder complexity: Coordinated approach with Harrow, Barnet, designers, schools, sports clubs and Friends groups