Stratford Fire Station

Located on Romford Road – a busy route linking Stratford and Ilford – this project at Stratford Fire Station forms part of a wider initiative by Newham Council to improve air quality, support sustainable travel and enhance the urban environment.

Working in collaboration with Newham Council and the London Fire Brigade, Meristem Design delivered a series of planting interventions at Stratford Fire Station. The scheme transformed underused and hardstanding areas, including an unloved courtyard, into vibrant green spaces that benefit both firefighters and the wider community.

A key feature of the project was the hands-on involvement of local firefighters, who worked alongside the team to help bring the planting to life.

To introduce high-quality planting into a busy urban setting, improving biodiversity, wellbeing and visual appeal while creating a more welcoming environment for fire station staff and the local community.

The project included the design and installation of planting across multiple areas of the fire station, including new raised planters and in-ground planting. Works involved plant selection, supply and installation, alongside collaboration with Newham Council and on-site participation from fire station staff.

The Stratford Fire Station planting project helps to soften a highly urban environment. By combining trees, perennials and grasses, the design creates a resilient and attractive landscape that supports both biodiversity and everyday use. m

The project has transformed the fire station into a greener, more welcoming space, showing how even small urban sites can deliver meaningful environmental and social benefits.