Work Set to Begin on Bishops Park Beach

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And tennis courts, cafe, lake and play areas also get a makeover

Fulham will have its own urban beach in time for next summer.

Work to restore Bisho's Park to former glories will begin this autumn beginning with the replacement of worn out tennis courts followed by renovation of the park itself, including the recreation of the beach on the side of the side of the pond.

The beach first appeared in Edwardian times, when families from across the capital descended on what was known as Margate Sands, because that was where the sane was imprted from. Building the beach is scheduled to begin next month.

The beach is just part of an £8million project to improve Bishops Park and the adjoining grounds of Fulham Palace. The council has received £3.65million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help pay for the project.

This autumn, Hammersmith and Fulham Council will also begin restoring the park's ornamental lake and picturesque bridge. Three major play areas will also be created and the café will get a much need upgrade.

Within Fulham Palace's grounds, the walled garden will be restored and the vinery and the stables will be turned into an education centre.

The council is also spending £378,000 renovating the existing tennis courts to provide 12 new full-size adult courts and four junior courts. Some sections will be floodlit so the courts can open till 8pm in winter instead of having to close at 4pm.

Work on the courts will be phased so that some tennis will be available during construction. Work to upgrade courts seven to 15 and install floodlights starts on Wednesday September 15 and will last around six weeks, with improvements to courts one to six taking place from December onwards.

However, the council warns that these works mean it may be unable to hold November’s annual Bishops Park bonfire night display. Access through the courts during construction will be closed from Bishops Avenue and Bishops Park Road. Players are asked to use alternative access from Fulham Palace Road points.

For details on how to book courts email sportsbookings@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 4103.

Amanda Lloyd-Harris, chairman of the Friends of Bishops Park, says: "These are very exciting times."

August 27, 2010