Pitfield Estate Outdoor Spaces and Street Gym
Overview
This project brings together two strands of work focused on improving outdoor spaces on the Pitfield Estate and supporting residents’ health, wellbeing and access to nature.
As part of the wider Connecting Hoxton programme, proposals have been developed to introduce more variety and activity across the estate’s open spaces while maintaining their natural and informal character. These proposals include new planting, improved paths, places to sit and spend time outdoors and features that support wildlife.
Separate engagement has also taken place on proposals to introduce outdoor street gym equipment and free fitness activities on the estate. This would provide a free resource for residents and the wider community, supporting everyday physical activity and wellbeing.
The proposed equipment and fitness sessions are being donated by Raza Sana Community Interest Company, a not-for-profit organisation delivering community health and wellbeing projects.
In progress
We are reviewing feedback and refining the proposals, including the potential location of the street gym equipment.
No final decisions have been made. Residents will continue to be kept informed as the proposals develop.
What is happening
A range of potential improvements are being explored across the Pitfield Estate.
These include:
- a Raza Sana outdoor fitness area with exercise equipment
- a table tennis table near the central pathway
- wider footways to improve accessibility and allow two wheelchairs to pass comfortably
- new picnic tables and park benches
- low-level bollard lighting along currently unlit paths
- dropped kerbs and the removal of one parking space to improve access to pathways
- a wildlife garden with a small wetland area, log piles, bee posts and nature-friendly planting
- a birch play copse providing a small natural play space
- pathway extensions to improve connections to Burtt House and Fanshaw Street
- new planting, including informal grass areas, shrubs, ground flora and seasonal bulbs
- additional tree planting to strengthen the estate’s tree canopy.
The street gym proposal forms one part of this wider set of potential improvements, with a particular focus on supporting physical activity and community use of the estate’s outdoor spaces.
Example outdoor gym in Northumberland Park, showing the type of calisthenics equipment and rubberised safety surface that was proposed for the Pitfield Estate.Potential locations for the street gym
Several possible locations for the outdoor fitness equipment have been considered.
The original proposal was to locate the equipment on the former drying green near Burtt House. Feedback raised concerns about the proximity of this site to residents’ homes, including the potential for noise and disturbance.
In response, alternative locations are being explored, including a corner of the existing playground. Feedback on this option has been more positive.
This is an interactive map.
This interactive map shows the locations that have been considered for the proposed outdoor gym on the Pitfield Estate. The first marker shows the original proposal on the former drying area. The remaining three markers show alternative locations that were identified following feedback from residents during the first round of consultation. Select a highlighted area to read a description of each location and why it was considered.
Project timeline
Early proposals
Initial proposals were developed for improvements to the estate’s open spaces and the introduction of outdoor fitness equipment.
Community engagement
Feedback was gathered through the wider Connecting Hoxton engagement and a separate consultation on the proposed street gym.
Current stage
Feedback is being reviewed and the proposals are being refined, including consideration of alternative locations for the street gym equipment.
Next steps
Further updates will be shared with residents as the proposals develop and decisions are made about which elements can be taken forward.
What we heard from local people
Feedback has been gathered through both the Connecting Hoxton engagement and the separate consultation on the proposed street gym.
Connecting Hoxton proposals
Nine responses specifically related to the proposals for Pitfield Estate.
Residents expressed support for:
- outdoor fitness equipment
- bulb and flower planting
- the creation of a wildlife garden, particularly on the former drying green.
Concerns included:
- potential noise from a table tennis table located close to homes
- the possible effects of widening paths, including concern that changes intended to improve access for some people could make routes less comfortable for others
- cyclists travelling too quickly along estate paths
- how new planting and green spaces would be maintained over time.
Street gym proposals
Forty responses were received through the separate engagement on the street gym.
There was overall support for introducing free exercise equipment and fitness classes. Residents felt the proposals could:
- support health and fitness for people of different ages and abilities
- provide a free opportunity to exercise locally
- help bring residents and the wider community together.
Concerns were raised about potential noise and antisocial behaviour.
The originally proposed location on the former drying green was a particular concern because of its proximity to Burtt House. Some residents felt this area would be better used for planting and habitat creation.
Alternative locations have therefore been explored, including part of the existing playground, which has received more positive feedback.
Residents also expressed interest in a range of free activities, including strength training, stretching, women-only sessions, guidance on using the equipment and support for people returning to exercise.
How this project responds
The project is still being developed and no final decisions have been made.
Feedback has already influenced the approach, particularly in relation to the proposed location of the street gym equipment. The original location on the former drying green has been reconsidered, and alternative locations are now being explored in response to residents’ concerns.
The feedback will also help shape how different uses are balanced across the estate, including space for exercise, planting, wildlife, play, seating and movement.
Consideration will be given to potential noise, accessibility, safety and long-term maintenance as the proposals are refined.
Residents will continue to be updated and given opportunities to comment as the project progresses.
Supporting information
Further information about the proposed street gym and the feedback received is available on the Pitfield Estate consultation page.
Explore the wider theme
This project is part of the Connecting Hoxton theme: Realising the Potential of Hoxton’s Green Spaces.
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Interests
- Connecting Hoxton
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