HyPER’s pop-up parklet

Back in March during a brief spell of mild weather, HyPER hosted a “pop-up parklet” on Connaught Street.

A parklet is a small area of the street, normally one or two car parking spaces, that is converted into a small park or greening area. They have sprung up all over London, as people reimagine the streets where they live. Westminster has been slow off the mark, but things are starting to slowly move forward. HyPER was recently awarded a grant for the installation of such a parklet, and in conjunction with this we were approached by the University of Westminster to undertake a temporary parklet (or “pop-up”).

A temporary parklet is an ideal way to quickly enable people to see how a parklet works and how it can be beneficial. This is far better than proposing one on paper, as it gives the opportunity for people’s fears to be allayed, without commitment and for them to experience what it is really like.

This particular event was part of a European conference organised by EX-TRA, which is a European project that undertakes studies and investigation into better urban design.

Outcomes

Survey

Overall people who visited or experienced the parklet were very positive. HyPER undertook an online survey, the results of which are shown below:

Comments

Comments could be made both through the online survey and also by writing in a guestbook that was located at the parklet. A selection of comments are shown below:

This parklet makes our high street so much more welcoming, and is a wonderful addition to what has been a successful start for La Maritxu. I’d like to see many more of these, along with more Zebra crossing across the high street to encourage window shopping.

Joyful. Like celebrating. Sociable. Friendly.

Relaxed, happy. Bought cheesecake!

It gives a great vibe in the area, many people with bikes stopping by, very nice feeling.

Very welcomed and included

Made me smile but it is still fairly close to traffic so a bit unnerving.

Looks good during the day but concerned about night/ anti social use

I loved having somewhere to seat and eat my lunch outside without having to walk to the park and sit on the floor. Also I could buy a hot drink from Assal.

I thought it was a wonderful idea and really enjoyed it.

Very welcoming, the atmosphere it creates id really amazing

very good to know someone is making an effort in the community

Businesses

Before the parklet had been experienced by local businesses, they were generally negative about the concept, partly because of the loss of one or two parking spaces. Once they had experienced it though, they were much more positive, as they saw the effect that it had in both attracting people to the area and encouraging them to stay. Without the parklet, anyone visiting the street leaves quickly, as it is otherwise just a busy cut-through for motor traffic.

Photos

A full gallery of photos is available on the dedicated parklet gallery page. A selection are show below:

Moving forwards

Given the overwhelming positive reception, HyPER would like to undertake further temporary parklets. These would provide longer periods for people to experience the concept, as well as provide the opportunity to test the management of such a space. The only negative comments received were from those that were concerned that such a space could attract anti-social behaviour. As such, it would be important to ensure that this was managed and anticipated as required.