As one of Islington’s designed Georgian squares, Milner Square had seen little spent on it since the 1970s. A large, ball court dominated, with tall unattractive sports fencing making it an unpleasant and underused space.  Play had always been an important feature in the square’s history, although the play provision had become tired, with its ad-hoc placement detracting from any gardenesque quality the square may have originally had. 

Sally led the project for LDA and designed a garden square with play and sport set within the garden framework. By designing a smaller, informal ball games courts we encouraged more inclusive play, and left space for a variety of other activities, increasing the play provision overall. 

This has transformed the space into one where people can enjoy tranquillity, nature and planting, as well as a varied play and sport offer – all within a very tight budget.