Kodak Site harrow sustainable urban drainage case study

With all the flooding over this winter I thought it would be fitting to create a case study on the old Kodak factory site in Wealdstone Harrow. This site has flooded periodically for years I find it interesting that a carpet of new housing is being proposed once again in a flood risk area. I have created an Ecospaces proposal below that will create housing but also realise and utilise the natural process of the site.

This proposal joins up natural features in the surrounding area to create a larger more diverse landscape in which to live for the residence of Harrow & Wealdstone. The project explores the concept of the old Kodak site becoming an ‘eco village’ set in an idealistic wetland park.  

For years the urban centres of Harrow have suffered an over layering of new development and road networks which have caused a dense mass of urban degeneration.  The solution to regeneration in Harrow is provoking an environment that works with nature creating ecological harmony between the landscape and people who reside there.  The ecological proposal featured in this flyer allows residents to shop, volunteer, grow food, rest, play, live and enjoy nature.

Flooding and Wildlife.

Over the last 50 years Harrow has spent Millions of pounds preventing flooding in this area of the borough. The reason for this is the underlying natural process of Headstone, Wealdstone. The area is a catchment area for storm water where numerous waterways begin their journey into the River Brent. Many years ago this was a wetland habitat for now rare wildlife in the borough. 

The Eco Village Scheme allows wetlands to absorb the water in heavy rainfall, reducing floods and creating an environment buzzing with life. The Kodak site is linked to existing waterways in Headstone Manor Park extending the threatened water voles range in North West London. More open green space enables room for much in demand allotments reducing Harrows carbon foot print.

Adding Value

A recent study in Britain discovered that the most expensive properties in any given area were in close proximity to golf courses. A further analysis of the study concluded that it was not the desirability of golf to wealthy home buyers but the aesthetic value given to homes built in a naturalistic setting, especially with good transport links to city centres. In response to this Harrow must capitalise on the Kodak sites potential to raise property capital in the Borough by creating scenic, ecological, sustainable development.