Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre 

Carbon-Neutral Outdoor Activity Centre Enhancing Community Access and Biodiversity

The London Borough of Hillingdon Council appointed SPACE & PLACE (S&P) to oversee feasibility and planning for the relocation of the Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre (HOAC). The construction of the HS2 railway line required this move. As a result, HOAC can continue to play an essential role in offering diverse outdoor activities, including sailing, windsurfing, rowing, camping, high ropes, and zip wires for local communities, schools, and disability groups.

We planned for the centre to be relocated to Denham Quarry, which lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt. The partially restored sand and gravel quarry lies next to the River Colne. S&P’s approach to development focused on creating a carbon-neutral outdoor activity centre, powered entirely by renewable energy, with plans including solar PV panels, extensively installed across the site, generating surplus electricity that is fed back into the national grid. This surplus revenue helps to lower costs for low-income users. 

In our plans, we prioritised environmental stewardship. To enhance water depth for sailing, we suggested dredging areas of the existing lake. We also suggested to reclaim land for development while preserving natural habitats. We advised on creating new islands and floating reed beds and underwater planting beds to boost biodiversity, providing shelter for wildlife and habitats for fish. S&P proposed the use of lightweight, demountable modular buildings and portable storage units to minimise ground impact, and advocated for the use of repurposed existing structures, such as the farmhouse.

To address fire risk concerns, plans include building an external secure storage facility for electric scooters and bikes, along with charging points. This development not only preserves the site’s ecological significance but also enhances its recreational value for future generations, fostering community engagement and wellbeing. 

Results

Environmental Significance: 

• The site is part of the Mid-Colne Valley SSSI, known for breeding woodland and wetland birds, and wintering wildfowl. 
• It is located within Colne Valley Regional Park and is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
• Ancient Woodland is present in the southwest corner of the site. 

Project Objectives: 

• Environmental Sensitivity: We balanced development with conservation, minimising both visual and environmental impacts.
• Social Benefits: The project aimed to expand outdoor activity offerings, especially for disadvantaged children in Hillingdon and Greater London.

October 2022