Taking the pulse of South West London – news, features and sport 24/7

Bishops Park's restoration is nearly finished

By Bridget Burgoyne

Plans to continue revitalising parks in Hammersmith and Fulham have been announced as part of the council’s commitment to providing top quality open spaces. 

The £8million restoration of Fulham’s Bishops Park is nearing completion and includes the recreation of the urban beach closed in 1949 and a fully excavated moat in the grounds of Fulham Palace. 

Improvements are planned for 11 more parks in 2012 at a total cost of £2million.

Councillor Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “We understand how important beautiful, well maintained parks are for residents and that is why we have committed to spending such a large sum despite the unprecedented financial pressures that we face.”

Wormholt Park in Shepherds Bush will receive £1million of this if funding is confirmed and residents will be consulted for their views later in the year.

Eel Brook Common will receive a £300,000 make over. In addition to carrying out general improvements, paths will be enhanced and new bins and benches installed. 

The play area in South Park Fulham has received £177,000 of improvements with Brook Green’s play area in Hammersmith also set for a redevelopment if funding is confirmed.

Other parks set for improvements as part of the proposed £2million scheme are Wendell Park, Lillie Road Rec, Ravenscourt Park, Marcus Garvey Park, Hammersmith Park, Normand Park and Wormwood Scrubs. 

This is in addition to the £3.3million about to be spent improving Shepherds Bush Green. 

The new improved green will sport two new state-of-the-art playgrounds, one catering for young children and one for older children and teenagers. 

Playgrounds will include a range of swings and slides, a sandpit with mechanical diggers, a six yard-high space net, climbing walls, roundabouts and other equipment designed to challenge, develop motor skills and keep children happy and entertained for hours.

Work is planned for completion in time for the Olympics. 

Councillor Smith said: “This borough has some of the most tranquil and picturesque parks in London and we are looking forward to carrying out this huge raft of improvements over the next 12 months.”

Hammersmith and Fulham Council have already been commended for the quality of parks it provides with six being awarded a green flag.