A case study in nature-led masterplanning
Heath Park by EcoResponsive Environments
Ahead of our Nature-led Masterplanning webinar on 25 April, I’m sharing a sneak peak at Heath Park, a visionary zero-carbon neighbourhood designed and tested for feasibility by EcoResponsive Environments, in close collaboration with the client and consultant teams. Prachi and Soham from EcoResponsive Environments will be exploring this case study in more depth at the webinar, so don’t forget to register.
The award-winning Heath Park masterplan (granted outline planning permission in 2024) will transform a business park into a mixed-use neighbourhood with over 500 homes, including affordable housing, senior living and supporting uses, while retaining all existing jobs and businesses on-site.
Following the EcoResponsive Design framework, the team is creating a natural landscape that is net positive in biodiversity and ecosystem services. A new wetland will recycle wastewater, reducing reliance on external water networks significantly. Wildflower meadows will support pollinators, cornerstones of healthy ecosystems.
The site will be a nexus of the local food system, featuring a highly efficient vertical farm, allotments and composting facilities on-site.
Aiming for best practice, Health Park is designed holistically to minimise emissions through sustainable transport, renewable energy generation, and low carbon and adaptable architecture.
The Heath Park masterplan is one of 35 ethical projects that featured in the UK’s Global Investment Atlas to attract global investors into the UK. It has won a Golden Pineapple Award in the 'Future Place' category in 2022 and the National Urban Design Award in the ‘Masterplans Small/ Midscale’ category in 2023.
I’m really just scratching the surface here!
Register to join the webinar to get the full story and lessons learned on Heath Park.