Chase Side rain gardens and Pocket Park: construction update

We are nearing completion of the Chase Side rain gardens and Pocket Park. These interventions have been implemented by Enfield Council's Journeys and Places programme in Southgate to enhance the high street, bring greenery to the area and provide space to stop and rest as well as for families and young people to spend time with each other.

Pocket Park

The Pocket Park is located adjacent to the Southgate bus interchange. Natural oak felled trees from Epping Forest were carved into seating units and stepping logs and installed in Southgate’s Pocket Park last week. They include text and icons that celebrate the significance of Enfield Chase (the royal hunting ground) in the history of Southgate Town Centre.

The Council’s contractors are now adding new plants and wildflowers to the green area as well as making the space accessible by lowering the kerb at two locations. Work will continue for the next two weeks with completion expected by mid-November.

Local community members will be involved in planting flowers and shrubs in the Pocket Park on 11 November 2024.

Rain gardens

There are three rain gardens that have been installed along Chase Side. Two have now been completed with plants, and the third will soon be completed and planted by local community members on 29 October 2024.

Next week will also see two new trees being planted in the rain gardens. Some final details, including bench armrests and interpretation boards, will be installed in mid-November.

The rain gardens will contribute to managing flood risk and purifying the water coming off roads and footways. They will also create a habitat for biodiversity and offer a place for people to sit and rest.

We will provide a further update as these interventions are completed.