Open Spaces

Creating space for everyone

Over time, the Park and its surrounding areas will develop into an exciting new piece of the City. The Park itself will be made up of five 2012 Games sports venues, 11,000 new homes and 250 acres of open space.

Two distinct parks

With 6.5 kms of rivers and canals running through the Park, the waterways will be a natural focal point. Cleaned and landscaped, there will be new routes, links and opportunities for walking, leisure and fun on the water, with great care taken not to disturb the natural ecosystem. The geography of the Park has created two new areas of open space, each with its own character:

Northern Park

Framing the waterways at the north of the Park will be the northern park. Inhabiting the natural river valley, the north park will include a natural diversity of plants and trees, as well as wetlands and green areas. Bridges will connect both sides of the river and will provide the new neighbourhoods in the area with an undulating area of natural beauty.

South Plaza

The south plaza, the area surrounding the Stadium and the ArcelorMittal Orbit, will be an exciting urban park with an equally exciting programme of events to match. The area will be paved, with fountains, potential art installations and an ever changing flow of activities and events. Capturing the waterside spirit of the South Bank, or the buzzing atmosphere of Covent Garden’s cobbled plaza, the south plaza will be a vibrant new area at the heart of the Park.

A place to explore

The Park will feature a huge variety of open spaces, pathways and covered areas to explore, with over 22 miles of interlinking pathways, waterways and cyclepaths, leading through the distinct neighborhoods within the park. Over time, the Park will become a great focus for culture too, with lively spaces and places for festivals, shows and events. It will be a Park with something for everyone.