Cash boost for Bishops Park

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Cash boost for Bishops Park

Thursday April 1, 2010

Breathtaking plans to create an urban beach in Bishops Park and renovate the grounds of Fulham Palace have moved a step closer after Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded the scheme £3.65 million.

In Edwardian times, families from across the capital descended on 'Margate Sands' in Bishops Park, Fulham, every summer. The council, with the help of HLF, will now be able to recreate that special seaside atmosphere.

The hugely appreciated grant part of the Parks for People fund, will also help the council to restore the famous Fulham Palace grounds. The walled garden and vinery will be restored and the stables turned into an education centre. The Fulham Palace moat, thought to be the longest medieval moat England, will be partially excavated at the Gothic Lodge – which will also be repaired.

This hard earned grant is one of the largest grants made under Parks for People and will contribute towards the overall £8 million cost of the project. The Council has worked hard over the past three years to achieve the balance of the  funding which is critical to winning this award.

Lyn Carpenter, Director of Residents’ Services, said: “This really is fantastic news and we are all absolutely delighted. 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. We are extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support.”

The Bishops Park beach opened in 1903. During the Second World War the venue fell into disrepair and by 1949 it was considered such a safety hazard it was closed.

This award will also help the council to restore the Bishops Park ornamental lake and the picturesque bridge leading to the picnic island. The park will be given a vibrant heart with three new play areas for children of all ages, a first class café and a brand new community building. Seating will offer newly opened views of the river and large sections of the park will be opened up to public access for the first time in decades.