OKRA is selected as the landscape architect office for Meridian Water, the largest regeneration priority area identified in the north of London. On the local scale this new development of a 85 hectare site will be a mixed use housing area, taking advantage of the qualities of the river Lee landscape; at a macro level, the scale of the opportunity at Meridian Water will truly reshape North London. More then 5000 new homes and 3,000 new jobs will be created in a ￡1.5 billion redevelopment in a vast area of underutilised land in Enfield. The Meridian Water development is of strategic importance of growth in the area of Upper Lee Valley, being a crucial link within the London Stansted Cambridge growth corridor.

 OKRA will provide a climate proof strategy for Meridian Water, including a blue-green framework for public realm. Their idea is to provide a toolbox for design in water sensitive areas, thus ensuring that the development area in the Upper Lee Valley will be a showcase for 21^st century neighbourhoods in London.

For the project, commissioned by the London Borough of Enfield OKRA will closely collaborate with KCA, Arup and sub consultant Aecom. The aim is to deliver a comprehensive scheme to realise the first phase of new housing in 2018. The borough’s aspiration is to provide a legacy to be proud of in 50 years. Its waterside location, public transport access via the new Meridian Water railway station part of Crossrail2 connection and Lee Valley Regional Park setting gives Meridian Water the distinctiveness to become a new waterfront eco-quarter and the location of choice in North London.