Queen’s Park Canalside has officially reopened following a £2.5 million transformation delivered by Westminster City Council as part of the North Paddington Programme, with support from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund
The scheme has repaired and strengthened the canal wall while creating a greener, more accessible and significantly more biodiverse public space for residents to enjoy.
Biodiversity has been at the heart of the new landscape design.
Nearly 70 individual species have been included in the planting mix, combining native, near-native and carefully selected non-native species to create resilience, climate adaptability and year-round ecological value.
Key features include:
- Native Yew hedging to provide evergreen structure throughout the year
- A diverse mix of perennials and ornamental grasses selected to provide nectar, shelter and seasonal habitat
- Pollinator-friendly species supporting bees, butterflies and other insects
- Bulb planting throughout the site to provide early spring colour and nectar sources
- Architectural seedheads retained into late autumn and winter to support over-wintering wildlife
The planting has been designed to evolve through the seasons – from early spring flowering species to summer colour and late autumn structure – creating layered habitat across the site.
As the scheme has only recently been planted (in February), the full spectrum of species will become more visible through spring and summer as the landscape establishes and matures.
In addition to planting, the scheme strengthens ecology along the Grand Union Canal corridor through:
- Floating reedbeds to enhance aquatic habitat
- Insect hotels, bee hotels and nesting boxes integrated throughout the space
- Biodiversity features created with local people using reclaimed timber, including wood recycled from the site itself
These features have been designed to support insects in the warmer months and provide over-wintering habitat later in the year, embedding long-term ecological value into the project.
Accessible, sustainable and community-shaped
The scheme introduces new accessible ramps linking Harrow Road to the canalside walk so that everyone can enjoy the new space. We have also widened pedestrian crossings and improved the paving.
Seating has been carefully chosen to reflect the park setting, with solid timber benches selected for comfort and durability. Armrests are spaced at 600mm in line with accessibility best practice, ensuring support for people who rely on armrests to stand from a seated position.
Timber from trees felled on site has been repurposed into play elements and ecological features, reducing waste and supporting sustainability
Community-led public art
A striking new mural by artist Freddie Denton forms a centrepiece at the eastern entrance. Developed through workshops with Year 6 pupils at Queen’s Park Primary School and a community drop-in at Queen’s Park Library
The design incorporates plants and birds identified by children, embeds their drawings into the artwork and proudly includes the W10 postcode as a symbol of neighbourhood identity
The phrase “Ebb & Flow” reflects the canalside location and the rhythms of community life
Councillor Concia Albert, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“Queen’s Park Canalside is now greener, more accessible and richer in biodiversity than it has been for decades.
Nearly 70 plant species have been introduced to provide year-round habitat, nectar and seasonal interest. From native hedging to pollinator planting and floating reedbeds, this is a space designed to support nature as well as people.
Because the planting is newly established, residents will see it flourish through spring and summer – and we’re confident it will quickly become a thriving green corridor along the canal.
Most importantly, the community has helped shape this transformation, from biodiversity features created with reclaimed timber to the mural inspired by local children.”
Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Development, said:
“This scheme reflects careful ecological design and long-term thinking. The planting mix balances native structure with resilient species to ensure the space thrives in changing conditions while supporting pollinators and local wildlife.
This is one of three projects we’ve recently completed, alongside Maida Hill market square and Westbourne Green canalside, demonstrating our commitment to high quality public spaces in North Paddington.”