A unique gathering space in nature…
On this page you’ll find more details about the various spaces and features of Plot 9 – of particular relevance if you’re thinking of running your own event.
I welcome enquiries to use the space that broadly align with creative, therapeutic and community-building aims. Plot 9 is a stand against what skyrocketing rents and other costs have done to alternative London and is available to use by donation. Follow the link to see a guide for suggested amounts.
The centre-piece of Plot 9 is the Seated Parachute Space (aka The Dodeca-Den). It’s a unique and highly adaptable space. Launched in summer 2023, it has played host to poetry, meditation, art and craft workshops, men’s and women’s circles, pre-nuptual ceremonies, music jams, sound baths, talks and lots more…
A common reaction to arriving at Plot 9 is a feeling that you’ve travelled far from the city, but it is in fact very well connected to central London, being a 2 minute walk from Maze Hill station and just 15 minutes by National Rail from London Bridge.
Plot 9 Highlights…
- The Shelter: the first covered area built at top of the plot, adjacent to the entrance – can seat up to (approx) 14 people
- Seated Parachute Space: a parachute-covered highly adaptable 12-sided/circular gathering space with room for up to 40 people seated
- Open Parachute Space: the newest area. An open space covered by a beautiful 10m diamater parachute
- Wildlife pond: a home to newts and a watering hole for birds and foxes
- Kitchen area: adjacent to the Seated Parachute Space and equipped with cold-water sink, gas stove, crockery, cutlery, mugs, tea pots, etc.
- Vegetable beds: 2 raised beds for growing produce
- There is no mains power at Plot 9
- There is a bespoke composing loo built with grattitude with materials funded by our first crowdfunder.
- There is running water at Plot 9 but it is not suitable for drinking (as it runs through hosepipes). Drinking water is provided.
- Due to the drop from the road and three-levels, Plot 9 is not accessible via wheelchair.
*Next developments… a wood-working/craft area, new snug seating area, and a salvaged-window greenhouse.
1. The Shelter
This was the first structure I built to provide cover from the rain. It serves the space well throughout the year providing a beautiful elevated view of the whole allotment site including an avenue of trees that in summer give a the feeling you’re no longer in the city.
Some features of The Shelter:
- Room for 10 (comfortable) to 14 (cosy) people on two opposite padded benches and (optional) folding seats
- Woodchip floor
- Large table (suitable for food, crafts, laptops, etc.)
- Excellent cover from the elements
- Heavyweight ‘curtains’ hangable for extra privacy or protection from the wind
- Solar lighting
2. Seated Parachute Space (aka The Dodecaden)
I designed this structure to be a highly adaptable and intimate space. Nestled between a fig tree and grape vines, the space is a living sculpture, surrounded and formed by natural timbers and plants. The structure was completed in early summer 2023. It is a 7m diameter space and has 12 sides (hence the name…) made up of interlinked sycamore A-frames.
It be configured in the following ways:
- up to ~45 people, seated in three concentric circles for talks, performances, workshops and ceremonies
- 6 yogis with mats, all facing centre
- 6 to 12 people lying down (for breathwork and other floor-based practices)
- 6 large hammocks radially, all to a central pole (for breathwork, yoga nidra, cloud-gazing, etc.)
- Cover from sun or rain from a beautiful green translucent ex-army parachute. This is taken down between events to let light and rain on the plants.
- A central firepit and table can be used with any and all of the above configurations. This can be moved to leave an open space in the centre.
Other features:
- Woodchip on ground.
- 6 citronella lamps
- Climbing plants including a productive grapevine that are slowly enveloping the space
- Fire-top pizza oven, dutch oven, BBQ tools, crockery, etc.
- Various small tables
- A large number of cushions, blankets and throws
- Fresh mint and lemon balm for tea
- A large (20L) kettle for the fire
3. Open Parachute Space
Our newest space, recently (July 2025) given by the council after acknowledgement of the project’s success. Covered by a beautiful green 10m diameter parachute providing shelter from sun and rain. This space will be surrounded by plants but left open for events and practises that require an open space (yoga, dance, fitness, etc). It will comfortably fit a teacher + 12 yoga mats. It is currently slightly uneven, uncovered ground but usable and can be covered with tarps and blankets. The space will be closed from late autumn 2025 to mid-spring 2026 to allow grass seeds to take hold.
Booking Criteria
Plot 9 is a space for community gatherings, workshops, therapuetic practices, celebrations and rituals (just not full-on parties).
Please contact me if you are interested in booking Plot 9. I’ll get back to you (normally within 48 hours) to discuss requirements, check on availability and make sure it’s a good fit.
Plot 9 is in a residential area right next to a block of flats where I live. Music (live and recorded) is ok but must be kept to a minumum after 9pm. I am determined not to create any noise nuisance to our neighbours that could jepodise the project. Many of my neighbours enjoy visiting plot 9, are very supportive of the project and know me personally.
Suggested donations
I am very grateful for all donations. These will be spent on maintaining the space, supplies (tea+coffee, lamp oil, loo roll, etc), this website and tools and materials for various projects to improve the space. My works on the project is a gift to London – I funded the first 3 years of the build and don’t take any fee for my time developing and managing the space.
I’ve often been asked for a guide to how much to donate for your event so below are suggested amounts (obviously feel free to contribute more if you’d like to help accelerate the improvements especially if you are a larger organisation). It’s important to state I don’t want money to get in the way of events happening, especially if they are nascent or experimental so the bottom line is that if the project is in alignment with Plot 9’s values, I’ll find a way of making it work.
For gatherings of <10 people: First hour: £24, following hours: £12
For gatherings of 10 to 20 people: First hour: £34, following hours: £17
For gatherings 21 to 30 people: First hour £44, following hours: £22
For gatherings 31+ people: First hour £54, following hours: £27
Firewood: £6 per hour
I or another will be on-hand to assist with any specific requirements in setting up the space. I take delight in making the whole process as enjoyable and flexible as possible and encourage people to feel free to linger before heading home. Activating the space by bringing your event here is what makes me most happy and all the work in transforming the space worthwhile.
As things get busier, I am looking ahead to ways to fund a venue manager to support the long-term sustainability of the project. Please let me know if you have any ideas!
Please get in touch if you have any questions or just want to come and take a look around.
Location & Transport
Address: (Opposite) Leamington Court, Restell Close, London SE3 7RD. Google maps pin.
Plot 9 is in east Greenwich, a few minutes walk from Maze Hill Overground Station which is served by Southeastern and Thameslink trains. You can catch a direct train to Maze Hill from any of: Greenwich, Deptford, London Bridge, Cannon St, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, St Pancras or West Hampstead.
VIDEO DIRECTIONS: It’s a short route from Maze Hill station to Plot 9 but a little bit convoluted so please look at video directions here or below showing how to get there from Platform 2 of Maze Hill where you’ll alight if coming from central London.
It is also possible to travel via North Greenwich and get the 188 or 422 bus, alighting on Trafalgar Road or Woolwich Road and walking up Vanbrugh Hill, turning right onto Restell Close after you cross the railway bridge. The space is halfway down the hill on the right. Look for the bright green campervan and the entrance is 10 metres beyond it on the right.
If you’re driving then there’s usually plenty of free space on nearby Humber Road (free parking from 6:30pm). Parking can be arranged outside Plot 9 if required with advance notice given.
Plot 9 is not wheelchair accessible due the multi-level ground and drop from the road.
Bikes – plenty of room to lock them outside the entrance to Plot 9 or bring them in if you feel more comfortable.
