Race Cottam Architects
Close-up of a red perforated metal façade revealing structural elements behind, alongside a grey industrial building.Close-up of a red perforated metal façade revealing structural elements behind, alongside a grey industrial building.

EcoPark South, NLWA North London

Through innovative design, considered material selection, and energy-efficient solutions, EcoPark South sets a benchmark for future sustainable infrastructure projects.

Aerial view of EcoPark South showing the RFPF with a distinctive sawtooth roof, set within a busy urban industrial area and road network. EcoPark House is in the foreground sitting on the canal.
Close-up of a red perforated metal façade revealing structural elements behind, alongside a grey industrial building.
Industrial energy facility with two tall white chimneys and a bold red mesh-clad structure set against a cloudy sky.
Exterior of a large industrial building with exposed steel framing, where a guide leads a group of children in high-visibility vests.
Waste facility building with an elevated control room, as a service vehicle passes below and workers operate nearby.
Interior recycling centre with cars parked at designated bays beneath a high orange ceiling, with clearly labelled waste categories.

Project info

EcoPark South is a landmark sustainable waste management facility in Edmonton, North London, forming the first phase of NLWA’s £1.2bn site transformation. We led the architectural delivery of a Resource Recovery Facility comprising two key components: the Recycling and Fuel Preparation Facility (RFPF) and the Reuse and Recycling Centre (RRC). The RFPF is capable of processing 135,000 tonnes of recyclable waste annually.

The design integrates complex operational processes with controlled internal environments, including advanced odour management and natural daylighting. Sustainability is central, with significant carbon reductions and extensive photovoltaic arrays. The completed scheme strengthens regional recycling infrastructure while supporting a more sustainable, circular approach to waste.

Location

North London

Date

2020-2024

Client

Waterman Group, North London Waste Authority (NLWA)

Services

Architecture

Sustainability

BREEAM Very Good

Cost

1st phase of a £1.2 billion project

Area

20,000 sq.m

Main Contractor

Taylor Woodrow

Team

Waterman Group
Taylor Woodrow
Grimshaw Architects

Awards

National Civic Trust Awards - Highly Commended
RIBA London - Shortlisted

Our Team

Paul Sawyer
David Speddings
Amy Paget
Laurie Cottam

“EcoPark South stands as a testament to sustainable design and collaborative engineering. It not only enhances waste management and landfill reduction capabilities for North London but also serves as an educational and community hub for environmental awareness. Through innovative design, considered material selection, and energy-efficient solutions, it sets a benchmark for future sustainable infrastructure projects.

“Our collaborative approach with the project team, ensured coordination and integration of architectural and engineering solutions. Our proactive management of mid-programme changes, demonstrated our commitment to adaptability and working as a team.”

David Speddings Project Architect, Race Cottam Architects

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