The original design, conceived by internationally recognised architects Splinter Architechen, has been turned into reality by our design and build contractors, Willmott Dixon. They have been assisted in doing this by our Dutch sustainability consultants DHV and many other partners in the supply chain.

DHV has been involved from the beginning of the project developing the sustainability concepts for the Ecopark houses. They continue to advise on the design and factors involved in achieving the relevant DGFM points.

The subsequent introduction of the BRE EcoHomes rating system, now widely adopted in the social housing sector, acted as an interesting comparison against the DGFM and an 'Excellent' rating was achieved on the scheme.

A key objective of this project is to share the lessons learned and distribute monitoring information across and beyond the social housing world. In 2000, Gallions was awarded an Innovation and Good Practice Grant to assist with this, and in 2001 Ecopark achieved Demonstration Project status from Rethinking Construction, part of the DTI under which the construction industry, its clients and the government are working together to improve UK construction performance

Ecopark is part of the Section 106 affordable housing element of the third phase of the Gallions Reach Urban Village. This new village, built on formerly contaminated land, lies in the heart of Thamesmead, bordered on its north-western side by the River Thames.

Once complete the Urban Village will comprise over 1500 new homes, shops and a school, and is arranged around a central 'ecological corridor'. Within the Urban Village, Ecopark nestles against Gallions Hill and the planned Tripcock Park.

The development of the land in and around Ecopark, managed by Tilfen Land, has been designed to include the drainage of rainwater into a network of canals containing reeds and other water plants. These filter and clean the water, providing a biologically diverse habitat for plants, insects and animal life essential to the natural ecosystem.