Springhead Park, Ebbsfleet

Springhead Park, previously referred to as the "Northfleet Rise Quarter" during its early planning stages is an English mixed-use residential development located in Ebbsfleet Garden City, part of the Ebbsfleet Valley in North Kent. Situated adjacent to Ebbsfleet International Station, it was the first residential area to be developed as part of the larger Ebbsfleet Garden City project. Covering approximately 38 hectares, Springhead Park is a high-profile, exemplar scheme in the Thames Gateway, aligning with the UK Government's 20-year regeneration strategy for the area. It is a key part of the wider initiative to transform the Ebbsfleet Valley into a thriving, sustainable community with modern infrastructure.

Springhead Park is part of the first phase of the Ebbsfleet Garden City initiative, which aims to deliver new homes, schools, and amenities in close proximity to key transport links. Work began at Springhead Park, the first phase of Ebbsfleet Valley, in 2006, and the first houses were completed in March 2008. The development was designed with a focus on sustainability, green spaces, and seamless integration with existing infrastructure. It was conceived as a modern, sustainable community with a range of housing options, along with facilities and services to support residents.

The wider Ebbsfleet Valley is expected to take between 20 and 25 years to develop fully. The Ebbsfleet International Station opened in November 2007, marking a key milestone in the region's development, and the new high-speed commuter service from Ebbsfleet to St. Pancras commenced in December 2009, with advanced preview services already running.

The development was designed by CHBC Architects, with Land Securities and Countryside Properties acting as the developers. Peter Brett Associates (PBA) played a key role in the planning, design, and implementation of the infrastructure over a period of 13 years. They contributed to the design of the strategic infrastructure, including off-site highway improvements, a new 87m span bridge over the Ebbsfleet River, and Fastrack bus provision, among other elements. The infrastructure strategy also included environmental and archaeological mitigation measures to ensure sustainability and minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.

Springhead Park comprises around 799 homes, offering a mix of private, affordable, and shared ownership properties. The housing includes a variety of types, from detached homes to semi-detached houses and apartments, designed to cater to different needs and preferences. The homes are built with modern, energy-efficient features, in line with the development's sustainability goals.

The development includes various amenities, such as Springhead Park Primary School and Nursery, which opened in September 2020. The Eastgate Church and Community Centre serves as a central hub for local events, meetings, and social activities. Penn Green Park, the primary public park, offers green spaces, playgrounds, and recreational areas. Additional features of the development include allotments, play areas, and linear parks, designed to encourage outdoor activities and community engagement.

Springhead Bridge is a key infrastructure project in Ebbsfleet Garden City, Kent, designed to enhance connectivity between the Springhead Park residential area and Ebbsfleet International Station. The 87-metre-long bridge spans the River Ebbsfleet, providing two lanes for vehicles, pedestrian footpaths, and a cycle path.

The bridge was commissioned by the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC) and delivered through the SCAPE National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure framework. The total project cost was £16 million, funded by the EDC. Arcadis provided programme management, procurement support, cost planning, and technical advisory services. The land for the bridge was contributed by Countryside Properties and Ebbsfleet Investment GP Limited.

Environmental sustainability was a core aspect of the project. Measures included employing ecologists to minimise disruption to local wildlife, scheduling construction to avoid bird nesting seasons, and installing barriers to protect reptiles and amphibians. Approximately 28,000 cubic metres of non-hazardous soft material were diverted from landfill to a local land restoration site, and recycled crushed concrete was used for under-road construction.

Archaeological excavations uncovered artefacts dating back over 2,000 years, including Roman-era items, highlighting the historical significance of the area.

• [Ebbsfleet Development Corporation](https://ebbsfleetgardencity.org.uk)
• [Land Securities](https://www.landsecurities.com)
• [Countryside Properties](https://www.countrysideproperties.com)