Bishops Park Beach Is Officially Opened


"Margate Sands" restored before Jubilee celebrations

London's only urban beach has officially opened in Bishops Park.

In Edwardian times, families from across the capital descended on 'Margate Sands' in Bishops Park every summer.

Now, Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council, with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG), under their Parks for People scheme, have recreated that special seaside atmosphere.

The work is part of a £8 million improvement programme to Bishops Park and the adjoining grounds of Fulham Palace, the former home of the Bishop of London. The council has received £3.65million from HLF and BIG to help pay for the project.

The new facilities were opened by the outgoing Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh, together with the Bishop of London, the Right Reverend and Right Honorable Richard Chartres, the Mayor of the borough, Cllr Frances Stainton and Wesley Kerr, Chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund London Committee.

Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents' services said: “With summer approaching, local residents will be pleased to know that they no longer need get on an aeroplane or head to the coast if they wish to lie on a beach!

“Providing top quality, beautiful parks and open spaces is one of this council’s number one priorities and I am delighted to see the amazing transformation that has occurred here at Bishops Park and Fulham Palace.

“The park and palace grounds are of huge historic importance to the borough and these exciting improvements see them reaffirmed as jewels in the Hammersmith & Fulham crown."

 

May 31, 2012