Designer chosen for £3.3million improvement of Shepherds Bush Common

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
19/11/2007

A project to bring £3.3million worth of improvements to Shepherds Bush Common has moved a step closer. Hammersmith and Fulham Council have chosen landscape design consultant, Whitelaw Turkington, from a shortlist of six companies. The public will now be consulted before a formal planning application is submitted next June.

The preliminary proposal aims to ensure that the open feel of the Common is preserved. Improvements would include a multi-use games area, a dog run, picnic areas, toddlers’ play area, a café with new toilets and a skateboard area.

The theme of the design is to create a ‘boulevard’ on the outside of the Common, including a new cycle path.

Under the proposal, the Common would be divided by paths into three main grassed sections, with slightly raised areas that can be used for entertainment. The war memorial will remain in its current location.

H&F Council has been consulting on the proposals with a stakeholder group, consisting of local residents from Addison ward and Shepherd’s Bush Green, amenity groups and businesses.

The plans will go on display and the public invited to comment at two major exhibitions which will be held before any planning application is submitted. It is expected that construction will take place between February and November 2009.

Paul Bristow, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We believe these exciting proposals will transform the Common and ensure that it remains as one of our great open spaces. We are not seeking to radically alter the overall feel of the park. One of the great advantages of this design is that the Common retains its big, open feel. However, the new games area and play facilities will boost its appeal to families. We look forward to consulting widely on the proposals and hearing what people think before a planning application is submitted.”

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