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Project Overview
Client
Lant House
Location
London
Date Complete
2026
Sector
Housing Industry
Background
Lant House Garden is a spacious communal green space attached to a block of flats in London. The garden has long been recognised by residents for its potential. It features generous planting, well established trees, and an attractive layout that should have made it a natural hub for relaxation and social interaction. For many years, however, the garden had been neglected and underused. What should have been a valued community asset had become an area that most residents avoided.
The decline of the garden was not due to a lack of interest from the residents, but a combination of persistent security issues and anti social behaviour. The area was frequently accessed by people from outside the community. Dogs were brought in without permission and dog fouling became a constant and deeply unpleasant problem. Some residents, particularly those living on the ground floor, felt unable to open their windows due to odours and concerns about security.
Jo Hardwick who owns a flat at Lant House, had long maintained a connection with the community. Over time she became a trusted figure among the residents, many of whom approached her asking for help to improve the garden and restore a sense of pride. Their main priority was the installation of secure boundary railings to prevent unauthorised access and help reclaim the space for the people who lived there.
With a family history connected to traditional blacksmithing and fabrication, she recognised that the right fencing solution could dramatically improve the area. Her father, an experienced former blacksmith, recommended Jacksons Fencing as the best source of high quality railings for long term performance. This advice, combined with strong community support, formed the basis for the project that would transform Lant House Garden.
Challenge
The greatest challenge facing the garden was the level of anti social behaviour that had become normalised. Residents were experiencing ongoing issues with trespassing, dog fouling, and misuse of the space. In some cases, there had even been reports of theft through open windows on the ground floor. This created a sense of vulnerability and frustration among those living closest to the garden.
Despite the garden's attractive design and mature planting, it had fallen into disuse. Even during warm weather, hardly anyone chose to spend time there. The space did not feel private, safe, or welcoming. For the community to reclaim it, a reliable boundary solution was essential. The residents wanted a fence that would prevent unauthorised access while also enhancing the appearance of the garden.
However, the block had no allocated budget for major improvements, so raising the necessary funds was a significant challenge. The residents needed someone who could coordinate a funding application and represent their concerns to the local authority.
Jo, who later became chairwoman of the Lant and Bittern Streets Tenants and Residents Association, took on this role and contacted the local Liberal Democrat Councillors from Borough and Bankside. Through her persistence, she was able to secure financial support from the Community Infrastructure Levy. This fund is provided through contributions from local developers and intended for community improvements.
Solution
After reviewing several quotes, the Tenants and Residents Association chose Jacksons to supply and install Barbican Imperial® vertical bar railings with finials. The design was selected for its strength, longevity, and decorative finish. The railings provide a secure yet elegant perimeter, good visibility, and thanks to their open design, allow the garden to flourish without restriction. Matching access gates were installed at both sides, each equipped with lockable systems restricted to residents. With a hot dip galvanised and polyester powder coated finish, and a 25 year Service Life Guarantee, the railings will provide low maintenance protection for decades.
The Chair explained that although surrounding properties in the area are highly valuable and visually impressive, the new railings at Lant House Gardens are “the most amazing railings in the area”, reflecting her confidence in their quality and her father’s recommendation. One observer even remarked that the railings “give Buckingham Palace a run for their money”, capturing just how striking they are within the setting.
The installation has already produced a significant improvement in the safety and appearance of the garden. Residents now feel comfortable opening their windows again and are beginning to use the space for relaxation and socialising. Community groups and charities with an interest in green spaces have taken notice of the transformation, and the garden has been entered through the Bankside Open Spaces Trust into the London in Bloom in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category.
Most importantly, the project has brought a renewed sense of pride and happiness to the community. Jo, the Chair, believes this is only the beginning. With the new secure boundary in place, the residents now have a foundation on which to build further improvements and create a garden that reflects the true character and spirit of the community.
Jo commented: “The railings around this garden look incredible. I am absolutely delighted with how they have transformed the space, creating a beautiful and secure boundary around the garden at Lant House.
What is most striking is how naturally they sit within their surroundings. Although newly installed, they look as though they have always been there. Set within the historic Liberty of the Mint conservation area they blend seamlessly with both the architecture and the greenery.
I am so looking forward to residents of all ages and cultures enjoying this space for generations to come.
I am also very proud to have worked with Jacksons Fencing, who have been outstanding throughout. Their quality and care have made this transformation possible.This project is not just about railings. It is about giving the garden back to the community.”
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