Ilford Design Festival: reimagining public spaces for a greener, more inclusive future
Published: 11 September 2025
Redbridge Council, in partnership with leading design teams and community organisations, is proud to present the Ilford Design Festival—a free, community-focused celebration of creativity, innovation, and the future of Ilford’s public spaces.
Taking place on Saturday, 13 September at Highlands Primary School in Highlands Gardens, the Ilford Design Festival will spotlight the Ilford Arrival Project—a transformative initiative focused on reconnecting Ilford Town Centre with the River Roding. Through a series of thoughtful design interventions, the project aims to activate underused public spaces and estab
The event will be held across two engaging drop-in sessions:
Morning Session (10am – 12.30pm):
Young People and Families Matter in Ilford
Children and young people (ages 2–16) and their families are invited to participate in hands-on activities such as model making and drawing. Parents will also have the opportunity to learn more about the project and share their ideas for shaping Ilford’s future.
Afternoon Session (2pm – 4.30pm):
An Ilford for Everyone
The wider community is invited to explore design concepts for a new pocket park, pedestrian bridge, urban room, and cycle infrastructure. Attendees will be encouraged to engage with design teams and contribute ideas toward a more inclusive and vibrant Ilford.
The festival is hosted by Redbridge Council, alongside collaborators Diverse Dialogues, Periscope, Studio Gil, and Momentum—all committed co-designing spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of Ilford’s diverse population.
Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “The Ilford Design Festival is a great chance for local people to come together and help improve the area. We’re working to make Ilford a safer, greener, and more welcoming place for everyone. By opening up spaces and making it easier to get to the River Roding, we’re bringing new life to the town centre. This festival is all about giving residents a say in how Ilford grows and changes for the better.”
Due to venue capacity, attendees may be asked to wait during peak times. Booking is strongly encouraged via eventbrite to avoid disappointment.
