Help Decide the Future of Fulham's Parks

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Bishops Park consultation event on Sunday

Could we soon be sunbathing on the beach at Bishops Park?

That's one of the surprising proposals up for discussion at a consultation event happening this Sunday, June 21, from 10am till 5pm, in the centre of the park in front of the cafe.

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

The beach concept is part of the council’s plans to rejuvenate Bishops Park and the neighbouring Fulham Palace. On Sunday, local people can see detailed plans, ask questions and have guided tours of the areas planned for improvement at 11am and 1pm.

There will also be activities for all of the family, including face painting and a bouncy castle.

Once the council has finalised its designs for 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, says: “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. "

Over in South Park meanwhile, the consultation over its future has had a brilliant response, according to the two companies involved, Churchman Landscape Architects and Creative Process.

Around 160 people attended three special workshops, and over 400 people gave their opinions on plans for the historic park.

The results of the workshops are now up online, along with three Masterplan options at

www.southparkmasterplan.co.uk, and votes on the options can be made until June 24. It is also emphasised that these options are not set in stone, and further comments are welcomed.

The Masterplan options are also available at Fulham Library until June 24.

19th July 2009