Life is a beach at Bishops Park

Exciting plans to restore an urban beach in one of the most beautiful and historic parks in London have been announced by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.

In Edwardian times, families from across London descended on 'Margate Sands' in Bishops Park, Fulham, every summer. Hammersmith & Fulham Council now hopes to recreate that special seaside atmosphere.

The beach concept forms part of the council’s plans to rejuvenate both Bishops Park and the neighbouring Fulham Palace Walled Garden. And residents were able to have their say on the ambitious proposals at a special event at Bishops Park on Sunday June 21.

Once the council has finalised its designs for the both open spaces, it will apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund for up to £3.5m of funding.

As well as recreating the beach and restoring the ornamental lake, proposals on the agenda include:

• Refurbishing the famous Fulham Palace walled garden – This would see the vinery and bothy restored to support a working walled garden.
• Restoration of the picturesque historic stone bridge across the pond in the park.
• Restoration of the cafe building and its surrounds
• The extension of the stableblock in the Palace grounds to support a purpose-built education facility.

Cllr Paul Bristow, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “Both Bishops Park and Fulham Palace grounds are of huge historic importance to the borough and these plans will see them reaffirmed as jewels in the Hammersmith & Fulham crown. Make sure that you attend the event on June 21 so that you can see our plans and comment on this hugely exciting project.”

The plans form part of the council’s ParkLife campaign – which sees the council improving the quality of life for all people who live, work and play in Hammersmith and Fulham by providing award winning parks and open spaces that are clean, green, safe and sustainable.

For more information and to view development proposals and comment online visit http://www.lbhf.gov.uk/ or www.citizenspace.com/local/lbhf/.

Victoria Park Improvements Planned

The Burdett-Coutts fountain in Victoria Park is an LBII* listed structure.

Victoria Park was created in the 19th century. Parliament passed an act for the .development of the park in 1841 following an outcry about the lack of parks in the East End and fears that disease would spread from the stinking industries and slum population of 400,000. The government bought poor quality land that had been used for market gardens, grazing and gravel digging. The land was flat, with poor soil and little water but was cheaper than an alternative and larger site nearer the Thames. 

When it opened, the park, designed by James Pennethorne, was an instant success, with local people using it as early as 1843, before works were completed. The site was extended in 1872, when land originally set aside for residential development was incorporated into the park. The park has passed through a number of managing organizations since then: from the Metropolitan Board of Works in 1887, to the London County Council in 1889, then the Greater London Council in 1965, then to Tower Hamlets in 1986 (initially with the borough of Hackney through a joint management board), becoming the sole responsibility of Tower Hamlets in 1994.

Many Fine Features

The park has many fine features including superb trees, avenues, lakes and floral displays. A wide range of formal and informal sports, sponsored activities, events and festivals take place throughout the year. 

Many of the original features of the park have, however, been lost or have deteriorated. The site was much bombed in WW2 and was not restored. In heritage terms the park is still of national importance, as signified by its inclusion as a Grade II park on the English Heritage register of parks and gardens of special historic interest. 

Victoria Park is located within the LB of Tower Hamlets, and is bordered on its northern boundary by the London Borough of Hackney. The 90-acre park serves a large residential population in both boroughs and is the largest park within Tower Hamlets.

Earlier this autumn Victoria Park bagged top spot in the Time Out list of London’s perfect parks. The park was marked out of ten in five categories including getting in, history, park life, fun stuff and landmarks. Victoria Park’s winning score was 41, with its nearest rival, Ravenscourt Park in West London, gaining just 38 points.

Funding Bids

In March 2009 Tower Hamlets will find out whether their multi-million pound funding bid for Victoria Park has been successful.

Submitted at the end of September, the bid seeks £4.9 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The money will be used to make a host of community-supported improvements to the park.

Councillor Abdal Ullah, Lead Member for Cleaner, Safer, Greener at Tower Hamlets Council said: “Victoria Park is a fantastic open space, with a great mix of heritage, sport, play and relaxation. That’s why it was named the best park in the capital by Time Out London.

“We’ve consulted with local people to find out how they’d like to see their park improved, and their feedback has formed the basis of our bid.”

Competing against bids from across London, the proposal which would see an additional café, improved sports pitches, water features, better play areas and much more, has wide spread support from local residents. In a recent consultation 76 per cent of respondents said that they would visit the park more often if the suggested improvements were made.

The funding bid is based on the new Victoria Park Master Plan, which sets out a guide for future developments and improvements to the park. The master plan incorporates the feedback of hundreds of local residents that have taken part in the Victoria Park consultation throughout the year.

This is the first stage of a long bidding process. The council will find out if the initial bid is successful in March 2009. If successful, the bid moves to stage two, where more details plans have to be submitted and discussed.

The council has also been campaigning for a £400,000 grant for the park under the Mayor of London's Help a London Park scheme.