£8m Project for Bishop's Park and Fulham Palace

Hammersmith & Fulham council has announced an £8million project to renovate Bishop's Park and the adjoining grounds of Fulham Palace. The centrepiece of the scheme is a beach next to Bishop's Park ornamental lakes.

A beach opened at the site in 1903, and visitors could relax on sand transported from Margate and other beaches in Kent. During the Second World War the venue fell into disrepair and by 1949 it was considered such a safety hazard it was closed.

Sixty years on, H&F Council chiefs hope to revive it. The council is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £3.65million to help pay for the project.

As well as the urban beach, the council plans to restore the ornamental lake and picturesque bridge that leads to the enchanting little island. Three major play areas will also be created and the café will be upgraded.

The project also plans to restore the famous Fulham Palace grounds, including the walled garden, and will see the vinery restored and the stables turned into an education centre. The Fulham Palace moat, thought to be the longest medieval moat England, will be partially excavated at the Gothic Lodge – which will also be repaired.