Manor Royal BID unveils Woolborough Lane Linear Park and the latest phase of Crawter’s Brook People’s Park
Manor Royal Improvement Business District (BID) is delighted to announce the opening of two significant public realm projects that further enhance the Business District’s growing network of outdoor spaces: the Woolborough Lane Linear Park and the latest phase of improvements at Crawter’s Brook People’s Park.
Together, these projects strengthen Manor Royal’s ambition to ensure that no employee or visitor is more than a five-minute walk from a high-quality outdoor space that is engaging, inspiring and reflective of the people, businesses and stories that have shaped Manor Royal over the decades.
The projects form part of a connected network of parks and public spaces that celebrate Manor Royal’s unique heritage, innovation and natural environment while supporting employee wellbeing, active travel and biodiversity.
Crawter’s Brook People’s Park: The Lost Woodland Gallery
Already one of Manor Royal’s most popular and valued green spaces, Crawter’s Brook People’s Park was first enhanced in 2014 with improvements focused on creating a stronger sense of place, improving access to nature and strengthening connections between Manor Royal, Gatwick Road and Fleming Way.
The latest phase introduces the Lost Woodland Gallery, a new public art initiative designed to complement the park’s existing character while encouraging more people to explore and enjoy the space. The gallery also contributes to Manor Royal’s Heritage and Arts Trail, helping to tell the story of the Business District through creative interpretation.
The first phase of the gallery features three bespoke sculptures by artist Andrew McKeown:
Woolborough Lane Linear Park: A Corridor of Activity, Interest and Ecology
Woolborough Lane serves as an important walking and cycling route through Manor Royal. While heavily used, the corridor previously offered limited amenity value beyond its transport function.
The new Linear Park transforms the lane into a welcoming and vibrant destination in its own right. Improvements include public artwork, benches, tables, seating walls and landscaped grass banks, alongside extensive planting of grassland, shrubs, hedgerows and trees to boost biodiversity and create a more attractive environment.
A series of new spaces has been created for employees and visitors to meet, relax and socialise, including dedicated seating areas and recreational features such as outdoor table tennis facilities.
Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of Manor Royal BID, said:
“These projects are another important step in delivering our long-term vision for Manor Royal as a business district that prioritises not only economic success but also the wellbeing of the people who work and visit here every day. We want our outdoor spaces to be distinctive, memorable and meaningful, reflecting the rich history, innovation and creativity that define Manor Royal. By connecting nature, heritage, public art and active travel, we are creating places that people genuinely want to spend time in.”
Michael Jones, Leader of Crawley Borough Council, said:
“The transformation of these spaces demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnership working and a shared commitment to improving the environment for our communities. The Woolborough Lane Linear Park and the enhancements at Crawter’s Brook People’s Park provide attractive, accessible and sustainable spaces that benefit employees, visitors and local residents alike while contributing to Crawley’s wider ambitions for wellbeing, biodiversity and placemaking.”
Marc Tomes of Allen Scott, landscape architects for the projects, said:
“Our objective was to create spaces that feel both functional and inspiring. At Woolborough Lane we have transformed an overlooked route into a series of welcoming places where people can pause, meet and enjoy nature. At Crawter’s Brook, the integration of art within the landscape creates new opportunities for discovery and reflection while strengthening the park’s identity and character.”
Artist Andrew McKeown said:
“The sculptures within the Lost Woodland Gallery draw inspiration from the unique qualities of Manor Royal and the stories embedded within the landscape. Each piece explores the relationship between industry, science, aviation and the natural world. I hope visitors will engage with the works in different ways and perhaps see familiar aspects of Manor Royal from a fresh perspective.”
The projects continue Manor Royal BID’s commitment to investing in high-quality public spaces that support health, wellbeing, sustainability and a stronger sense of place across the Business District.
Commissioned and delivered by the Manor Royal BID, both projects received support from the Crawley Town Deal.
For more information about Manor Royal’s public realm projects and the Heritage and Arts Trail, visit www.manorroyal.org/yourstory.
Date Published: 03/07/2026