Controversial £5million project aims to restore green space to its former glory
Councillor Samia Chaudhary with Council officers and contractors Picture: Yagnesh Nakarja
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Work has begun on a £5 million project in Boston Manor Park which aims to restore it to its former glory.
Contractors are on site renovating the park as well as refurbish buildings and improving access throughout the park. This will require parts of the park to be closed off to the public and work is expected to continue at the site until the end of next year.
Preparatory work for the scheme has proven to be controversial with the loss of some mature trees and the park’s Friends group alleging they were not properly consulted. The group used to operate the community café in the park but it remains unclear whether they will be involved in the new facility when it opens.
Over the coming weeks and months, works is being carried out on the sports changing facilities and the café, which will be extended to include a new education space.
The park’s nature trail through the woodland will be extended, providing a low-gradient accessible path for all visitors.
New tree groves will be added to the Lower Meadow and additional planting in the Community Orchard, and a new pathway.
The lake will be desilted and repaired and the walled garden is being redesigned as a fruit garden and community space.
The work will be carried out by contractors Blakedown Landscapes and Borras Construction.
Artist’s impression of Boston Manor Park’s refurbished café. Picture: Kaner Olette
Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said, “This beautiful park has been in council hands for 100 years, and the £5.34 million investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Hounslow Council is about securing its future for at least the next 100 years.
“I know that Boston Manor Park is loved by so many who visit it, which is why we are working very hard to keep any disruption while the works are carried out to a minimum.
“To ensure that residents will be able to continue to enjoy the park throughout the works, specific areas will be closed while work is carried out before reopening and moving onto the next area, and the children’s playground and car park will remain open throughout the works.
“The work will begin in August, and we are expecting it to be completed by the end of 2022. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Boston Manor Park team if you have any questions or concerns.”
New signs are being installed to help visitors navigate the park around the works. The council says that up-to-date information about what work is being carried out will be provided on information boards, location-based signs, and the Boston Manor Park blog at each stage of the project.
To find out more about the Reconnecting Boston Manor Park project visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/BostonManorPark, where you can also sign up to receive updates by email.
Questions or concerns can be raised with the Boston Manor Park team at BostonManorPark@hounslow.gov.uk.
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August 11, 2021