Byron Recreation Ground Improvements (Wealdstone Brook Flood Alleviation Scheme)

Welcome to the Byron Recreation Ground improvements engagement page.

The London Borough of Harrow is committed to enhancing Byron Recreation Ground as a welcoming, high-quality green space for local residents.

Our ambition is for the park to achieve Green Flag status, one of the Council’s flagship priorities, building on the eight award-winning parks already delivered across the borough.

To support this, a number of improvements are being explored, including:

• A safer, modern playground
• Resurfaced and more accessible footpaths
• Improved entrances with new signage
• Support for a local volunteer group to help keep the park clean, tidy and welcoming

Alongside these improvements, the Council is also developing proposals to reduce flood risk in the surrounding area. You can find out more about this scheme below.

We will update this page with more information about improvements to Byron Recreation Ground as proposals progress.

Wealdstone Brook Flood Alleviation Scheme

Background

Flooding has affected parts of Kenton West, Marlborough and Wealdstone in recent years, particularly during heavy rainfall. To reduce the risk to local homes, businesses and roads, the London Borough of Harrow is proposing a flood alleviation scheme at Byron Recreation Ground.

Working with the Environment Agency and Thames Water, the scheme will manage rainwater during storms and reduce pressure on the drainage system. It will also enhance the park’s natural environment, supporting longer-term improvements and the Council’s flagship action for Byron Recreation Ground to achieve Green Flag status.

Why is this scheme needed?

The drainage system in this area works effectively in normal weather conditions but can struggle during periods of heavy rainfall. When rainfall exceeds the system’s capacity, water is unable to drain away quickly enough and can collect on streets and in open spaces.

In some cases, water mixed with sewage can overflow from drains and manholes, causing damage to property, disruption to daily life and harm to the local environment.

What is being proposed?

New infrastructure is proposed within Byron Recreation Ground to safely store rainwater during heavy storms and release it slowly once rainfall has passed.

You may already be familiar with similar flood prevention schemes elsewhere in Harrow, such as those at Newton Park West or Headstone Manor Recreation Ground. These projects help reduce flood risk by creating areas where rainwater can be safely stored during heavy rainfall before being released gradually once conditions improve. As well as helping to protect homes, roads and local facilities from flooding, they also improve water quality and create new spaces for wildlife.

Flood Alleviation Scheme at Headstone Manor Recreation Ground

Newton Farm Ecology Park

The proposals at Byron Recreation Ground follow a similar approach, adapted to suit the local area. They will also contribute to wider environmental improvements, supporting the park’s longer term ambition to achieve Green Flag status.

The proposals include:

• An underground rainwater storage tank
• A wetland area within the park

During heavy rainfall, excess rainwater will be directed into these areas, temporarily stored, and then released back into the drainage system at a controlled rate.

Layout of proposed Flood Alleviation Scheme in Byron Recreation Ground

About the wetland

The wetland will normally contain shallow water and will only fill fully during periods of heavy rainfall. After storm events, the water will naturally drain away.

The system will store rainwater only and will not be connected to the sewage system. In addition to reducing flood risk, the wetland will create new habitat for wildlife and enhance the natural environment of the park.

Planning application

A planning application will shortly be submitted for the proposed works.

Full details of the scheme, including plans and supporting documents, will be available once the application is live. Residents will be able to view and comment on the proposals through the planning process.

This page will be updated with further details once the application has been submitted.

Statement from Thames Water

"Thames Water is proud to support the London Borough of Harrow as a partner in this scheme. After many years of planning together, we see this as an important and significant first step to reducing flood risk, improving water quality of the Wealdstone Brook and supporting environmental benefits for the surrounding communities.

This project is imperative to make space for water in an area of increased demand for housing and paved surfaces. This opportunity will open the door for wider rehabilitation of our network and improved resilience, whilst also introducing localised environmental benefits to the park.

Thames Water looks forward to continuing this positive partnership and producing a scheme that can be enjoyed by all."

Next Steps

Updates on the scheme will be shared on this page, including key milestones and next steps.

Subject to planning approval, construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027 and is expected to take approximately 9–12 months, including landscaping works following the main construction phase.

Contact

For general queries about the flood alleviation scheme, please contact: infrastructure@harrow.gov.uk