Blakedown Landscapes

Blakedown Landscapes is a British landscaping and civil engineering company involved in the design and construction of public spaces, parks, and gardens. The company has undertaken various projects across the United Kingdom, collaborating with local authorities and institutions.

History

Blakedown Landscapes traces its origins back to 1968 when it was first established in the village of Blakedown, Worcestershire. Initially a small local enterprise, the company grew over the years to become a significant player in the landscaping industry, across England, Wales, and Scotland.

Despite its establishment in 1968, Blakedown Landscapes Limited was officially incorporated on 12 July 1991 under company number 02628799, as per Companies House records. This marked the beginning of the formal structure of the company as it is recognized today. Blakedown's founding date, however, remains somewhat unclear, as the company's origins trace back to its operation in Worcestershire, and multiple entities have been associated with its development.

In addition to the main company, Blakedown Landscapes (SE) Limited was incorporated on 29 May 1990, creating a regional branch that operated in the southeast of England. This regional entity played a significant role in expanding Blakedown's operations across the country, helping the company diversify and strengthen its presence in various regions.

By the early 2000s, Blakedown expanded further by creating a dedicated division for sports facility design and construction. In 2002, Blakedown Sport & Play was established to focus on the creation of synthetic turf pitches, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), and sports grounds, particularly for schools, colleges, and community organizations. The division quickly became a key driver in the company's growth, with significant contracts for both public and private sector projects.

In 2007, Blakedown moved its headquarters to a six-acre site in Chobham, Surrey, which significantly enhanced the company's operational capabilities. This relocation allowed Blakedown to take on larger projects and improve its project management processes. At the time, the company had built a reputation for undertaking large-scale urban regeneration projects and infrastructure work. This move was pivotal in positioning Blakedown for continued success, as it further cemented the company's ability to manage and execute high-profile landscaping projects.

Throughout the late 2000s, Blakedown worked on major projects in London and the surrounding areas, particularly for the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC). Notable projects included urban space landscaping, public realm works, and regeneration schemes that helped shape the urban landscape of East London. This period of growth also saw the company diversify its project portfolio, allowing it to gain recognition not only in the commercial sector but also in the public sector. By then, Blakedown had become known for its work on parks, green spaces, public sector landscaping, and infrastructure projects.

During this period, Steve Buckingham, one of the key figures in Blakedown's history, played an integral role in expanding the company's reach. Buckingham joined Blakedown early in its history and was a driving force behind its growth, particularly in the areas of sports facility construction and urban regeneration. His leadership helped the company secure major contracts in high-profile urban regeneration projects and led to the establishment of Blakedown's strong position in the market.

The company's upward trajectory continued in the 2010s, with its turnover increasing significantly. This enabled Blakedown to pursue larger and more complex projects. Among the notable projects Blakedown undertook during this period were the landscaping of the Crossrail station at Canary Wharf and the restoration of the Venetian Waterways in Great Yarmouth. These projects not only showcased Blakedown's landscaping expertise but also earned the company national recognition, including the prestigious National Landscape Award.

In 2014, Chris Wellbelove, who had been with Blakedown since 2002, took on a broader role overseeing project management and delivery. This move was seen as a natural progression as Wellbelove's responsibilities grew in line with the company's increasing workload. His promotion to Managing Director in 2024 marked a significant moment in Blakedown's leadership transition, which had been developing over several years. Wellbelove's promotion followed a four-year transition period in which both his and Buckingham's roles were evolving to prepare for the company's future.

Wellbelove's leadership brought a renewed focus on sustainable growth, and Blakedown shifted its approach from simply chasing turnover to ensuring steady and strategic expansion.

The company's diverse portfolio includes projects in urban regeneration, public space development, sports facility construction, and environmental sustainability.

Notable projects

Eagle Brewery Wharf, Kingston upon Thames

In April 2025, Blakedown Landscapes was appointed as the principal contractor for the transformation of Eagle Brewery Wharf on Kingston's riverside. The project, in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and Kingston First, aims to enhance the riverside setting with new play trails, accessible public seating, and extensive planting to contribute to a greener urban environment.

Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden, The Regent's Park

In February 2025, The Royal Parks charity appointed Blakedown Landscapes as the official contractor for a new garden in The Regent's Park, commemorating the life of Queen Elizabeth II. The two-acre garden will transform a disused plant nursery into a biodiverse space featuring a circular pond, a central promenade with an accessible viewing platform, and a flower garden showcasing species significant to the late Queen.

Nature + Love Project, Horniman Museum and Gardens

Blakedown Landscapes was selected as the principal contractor for the Nature + Love redevelopment project at the Horniman Museum and Gardens in South London. The project involves the redevelopment of the Natural History Gallery, construction of a new outdoor play area with a café, and improvements to the Nature Trail and Gardens Nursery area. The initiative focuses on sustainability, ecological value, and biodiversity enhancement.

Barnard Park Regeneration, Islington

Blakedown Landscapes undertook a £2.8 million transformation of Barnard Park in Islington, London. The project included ecological improvements such as the introduction of a traditional orchard, native hedgerows, and wildflower meadows, increasing local wildlife habitats by 52%. Additionally, the company collaborated with Islington Working to employ local residents as part of the park's maintenance team.

The Paddock, Chatham

In August 2024, Blakedown Landscapes completed a £2.8 million regeneration of The Paddock, a public open space in the center of Chatham, Kent. Commissioned by Medway Council and supported by the government's Future High Streets Fund, the project formed part of broader efforts to revitalise Chatham town centre. The regeneration aimed to improve accessibility, encourage biodiversity, and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors. Key elements of the redevelopment included the installation of new pathways, lighting, and street furniture, as well as the introduction of sensory planting schemes and native species to enhance the ecological value of the space. The project also featured improved sightlines and open views to promote safety and connectivity between the Pentagon Shopping Centre and Chatham Waterfront Bus Station, helping to re-establish The Paddock as a central civic space within the town.

References

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Landscape architecture firms