Project Details

BSFG worked with The Hill Group to help deliver a new pocket park as part of Phase 2 of the East Wick & Sweetwater residential development at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The project formed part of the creation of Garden Square, a new public space designed as a welcoming community destination where residents and visitors can walk, relax, gather and enjoy outdoor activities. As part of the scheme, BSFG supplied a range of interactive play and seating features designed to encourage movement, exploration and social interaction.

The installation included a series of Hop Op seating and play elements alongside a Satellite Bench from our Danish design partner out-sider. Renowned for creating innovative products that blur the line between street furniture and play, out-sider's sculptural designs combine playful aesthetics with everyday functionality, helping to create a unique and engaging environment for children and families.

Project Background

East Wick & Sweetwater is a major residential development located within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, delivering a new sustainable neighbourhood designed around community, accessibility and high-quality public spaces.

Phase 2 of the development introduced 210 new homes, including 165 market sale properties and 45 affordable homes for rent, alongside significant improvements to the surrounding landscape and public realm.

A key element of the phase was the creation of two new public gardens, including Garden Square, which was designed as a central gathering space for the growing community. Developed with accessibility and inclusivity at its core, the space provides step-free access throughout, accessible seating and a dedicated Doorstep Play Space designed for younger children while also offering opportunities for older siblings to interact and explore.

The landscape design focused on creating connected outdoor spaces that complement the surrounding architecture and encourage people to spend more time outdoors. New pedestrian routes link the development with Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, improving access and encouraging wider community use of the area.

Our Solution

BSFG supplied a collection of distinctive play and seating features from our Danish partner out-sider, bringing creativity, interaction and contemporary Scandinavian design to the new pocket park.

The Hop Op units were positioned throughout the play area in clusters to create an informal trim trail experience, encouraging children to hop, balance and navigate across different heights, shapes and levels. Featuring a natural sandstone-effect finish and textured surface, the polyethylene units provide an attractive, durable solution while offering improved grip during wet weather conditions.

At the centre of the space, the bright blue Satellite Bench provides a striking visual feature that combines seating with interactive play. Designed to resemble a sculptural spacecraft, the polyethylene structure includes integrated grooves, hand grips and footholds that encourage children to climb, explore and engage with the feature in different ways.

Designed to encourage both active play and social interaction, the out-sider products seamlessly combine public seating with informal play, helping create a flexible environment where children can develop physical skills, confidence and creativity while families have a comfortable place to relax nearby.

Outcome

The completed pocket park has become an engaging and welcoming feature within Garden Square, providing a vibrant destination for children, families and the wider East Wick & Sweetwater community.

BSFG's interactive play features and sculptural seating elements have helped transform the space into more than just a play area, creating a place where people can meet, relax and enjoy shared outdoor experiences.

Through the use of durable materials, inclusive design principles and innovative products from out-sider, the project supports the wider vision of East Wick & Sweetwater — creating connected, sustainable neighbourhoods where high-quality public spaces help bring communities together.