Springhead Park, Ebbsfleet

Springhead Park
Residential development
Springhead Park Location within Kent
Coordinates: 51.442°N 0.296°E / 51.442; 0.296
Country	United Kingdom
Country	England
Region	South East England
County	Kent
Borough	Gravesham
Development commenced	2006
Postcode	DA10
Area code	01474

Springhead Park, previously referred to as the "Northfleet Rise Quarter" during its early planning stages is an English mixed-use residential development located in Ebbsfleet Garden City, part of the Ebbsfleet Valley in North Kent. Situated adjacent to Ebbsfleet International Station, it was the first residential area to be developed as part of the larger Ebbsfleet Garden City project. Covering approximately 38 hectares, Springhead Park is a high-profile, exemplar scheme in the Thames Gateway, aligning with the UK Government's 20-year regeneration strategy for the area. It is a key part of the wider initiative to transform the Ebbsfleet Valley into a thriving, sustainable community with modern infrastructure.

History and Development

Planning and Design

Springhead Park is part of the first phase of the Ebbsfleet Garden City initiative, which aims to deliver new homes, schools, and amenities in close proximity to key transport links. Work began at Springhead Park, the first phase of Ebbsfleet Valley, in 2006, and the first houses were completed in March 2008. The development was designed with a focus on sustainability, green spaces, and seamless integration with existing infrastructure. It was conceived as a modern, sustainable community with a range of housing options, along with facilities and services to support residents.

The wider Ebbsfleet Valley is expected to take between 20 and 25 years to develop fully. The Ebbsfleet International Station opened in November 2007, marking a key milestone in the region's development, and the new high-speed commuter service from Ebbsfleet to St. Pancras commenced in December 2009, with advanced preview services already running.

The development was designed by CHBC Architects, with Land Securities and Countryside Properties acting as the developers. Peter Brett Associates (PBA) played a key role in the planning, design, and implementation of the infrastructure over a period of 13 years. They contributed to the design of the strategic infrastructure, including off-site highway improvements, a new 87m span bridge over the Ebbsfleet River, and Fastrack bus provision, among other elements. The infrastructure strategy also included environmental and archaeological mitigation measures to ensure sustainability and minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.

Housing and Amenities

Springhead Park comprises around 799 homes, offering a mix of private, affordable, and shared ownership properties. The housing includes a variety of types, from detached homes to semi-detached houses and apartments, designed to cater to different needs and preferences. The homes are built with modern, energy-efficient features, in line with the development's sustainability goals.

The development includes various amenities, such as Springhead Park Primary School and Nursery, which opened in September 2020. The Eastgate Church and Community Centre serves as a central hub for local events, meetings, and social activities. Penn Green Park, the primary public park, offers green spaces, playgrounds, and recreational areas. Additional features of the development include allotments, play areas, and linear parks, designed to encourage outdoor activities and community engagement.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Springhead Bridge

Springhead Bridge is a key infrastructure project in Ebbsfleet Garden City, Kent, designed to enhance connectivity between the Springhead Park residential area and Ebbsfleet International Station. The 87-metre-long bridge spans the River Ebbsfleet, providing two lanes for vehicles, pedestrian footpaths, and a cycle path.

Planning and Funding

The bridge was commissioned by the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC) and delivered through the SCAPE National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure framework. The total project cost was £16 million, funded by the EDC. Arcadis provided programme management, procurement support, cost planning, and technical advisory services. The land for the bridge was contributed by Countryside Properties and Ebbsfleet Investment GP Limited.

Date	Milestone
November 2017	Preparatory groundworks commenced.
May 2018	Main construction began, led by Balfour Beatty.
September 2019	Installation of the first set of beams.
Spring 2020	Bridge construction completed.
July 2020	Bridge opened to the public.

Environmental and Archaeological Considerations

Environmental sustainability was a core aspect of the project. Measures included employing ecologists to minimise disruption to local wildlife, scheduling construction to avoid bird nesting seasons, and installing barriers to protect reptiles and amphibians. Approximately 28,000 cubic metres of non-hazardous soft material were diverted from landfill to a local land restoration site, and recycled crushed concrete was used for under-road construction.

Archaeological excavations uncovered artefacts dating back over 2,000 years, including Roman-era items, highlighting the historical significance of the area.

Community Impact

The bridge significantly reduced walking time from Springhead Park to Ebbsfleet International Station from approximately 20 minutes to seven minutes, promoting sustainable travel options. The project generated £5.4 million in social value, engaged over 2,500 students through educational initiatives, and provided numerous work placements and apprenticeships.

Springhead Bridge is considered a model of collaborative planning and sustainable development, enhancing connectivity and supporting the growth of Ebbsfleet Garden City.

Fastrack Bus System

Springhead Park is served by the Fastrack bus rapid transit system, a high-speed, environmentally friendly form of public transport. The Fastrack system provides efficient links to other parts of Kent and the Ebbsfleet region, supporting sustainable mobility and reducing traffic congestion in the area.

Sustainable Transport

The development is designed with a focus on sustainable transport options. In addition to the Fastrack system, the area encourages walking and cycling through well-planned pedestrian and cycle routes. The proximity to Ebbsfleet International Station further promotes the use of public transport, reducing the need for private car usage.

Community and Environmental Features

Green Spaces and Sustainability

Over 40% of Springhead Park is dedicated to green and blue spaces, which include parks, nature reserves, and water features. These spaces are intended to promote biodiversity, provide recreational opportunities, and enhance residents’ quality of life. Features such as a wildflower meadow, raised garden beds, and fruiting trees contribute to improving air quality and fostering local wildlife.

Community Garden

The development also includes a community garden with 16 raised planter beds, where residents can grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs. This initiative promotes sustainability and provides opportunities for community engagement, allowing residents to connect with the environment and with one another.

Ecological Sustainability

Springhead Park is designed to integrate environmental sustainability throughout the development. Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are employed to manage rainwater runoff, and the landscaping features native plant species that support local biodiversity. These elements align with the garden city principles of creating a healthy, vibrant community that integrates with the natural environment.

Challenges and Future Plans

As with other large-scale regeneration projects, the development of Springhead Park and the wider Ebbsfleet Valley faces several challenges, particularly regarding the need to balance housing demand with the provision of necessary infrastructure. As more homes are built in the coming years, additional infrastructure, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and retail spaces, will be required to accommodate the growing population. Nevertheless, the success of Springhead Park's early phases provides a strong foundation for the continued expansion of Ebbsfleet Garden City.

Key Features

• Location: Ebbsfleet Garden City, North Kent, adjacent to Ebbsfleet International Station.
• Size: 38 hectares.
• Homes: 799 homes, a mix of private, affordable, and shared ownership.
• Amenities: Springhead Park Primary School and Nursery, Eastgate Church and Community Centre, Penn Green Park, allotments, play areas, and linear parks.
• Infrastructure: Springhead Bridge providing pedestrian access to Ebbsfleet International Station, Fastrack bus system, sustainable transport links.
• Environmental Sustainability: 40% of the area dedicated to green and blue spaces, community garden, wildflower meadow, fruiting trees, sustainable drainage systems, and biodiversity initiatives.

External links

• [Ebbsfleet Development Corporation](https://ebbsfleetgardencity.org.uk)
• [Land Securities](https://www.landsecurities.com)
• [Countryside Properties](https://www.countrysideproperties.com)