Local residents and visitors to Greenwich Park are invited to attend a number of public consultations to find out more about proposals to protect and enhance the Royal Park for future generations. The meetings will also provide an opportunity for people to share their views on the proposed plans.
Greenwich Park’s unique landscape and heritage are under pressure from increasing visitor footfall, new tree pests and diseases and erosion of the most popular areas of the park, all of which are putting a strain on the park’s infrastructure, facilities and natural environment.
“Greenwich Park Revealed” is a major multi-million-pound project led by The Royal Parks – the charity which manages Greenwich Park – which will ensure that the park is sustainably fit for future generations.
The proposed plans will improve the park as a visitor destination and manage the physical pressure on the most popular areas of the park. It will better meet the needs and expectations of a growing and diverse local population, protect and improve biodiversity, and restore the historic integrity of the park’s design. The project will also create new opportunities for local residents, with a proposed new Learning Centre offering a programme of activities, as well as through volunteering and apprenticeships.
Four public consultations will be held near Greenwich Park’s bandstand. These will take place on Thursday 21st and Sunday 24th February, and Thursday 11th and Sunday 14th April, 10am-4pm to seek local residents’ input on various aspects of the project, to help shape the park’s future. Visitors can also contribute their views by email at greenwichparkrevealed@royalparks.org.uk .
These proposals will build on initial consultation work undertaken in 2018, which sought people’s feedback on the specific issues of disabled access, education, biodiversity and heritage.
Overlooking the River Thames and home to one of London’s most iconic views, Greenwich Park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park in the UK and has been open to the public for more than 300 years. It is a unique mix of 17th century landscape, stunning gardens and a rich history that dates back to Roman times.
Greenwich Park Manager, Graham Dear, said: “As well as its unique heritage, the green spaces, play areas and diverse ecology of this wonderful park provide a tranquil spot for locals to enjoy nature away from the hubbub of the city.
“The park is much-loved by Greenwich’s diverse community and is a vital local green space. However, with the populations of Greenwich and Lewisham increasing – with Greenwich alone set to rise by 17 per cent by 2026*, the increasing number of visitors will create huge pressure on the most popular parts of the park.
“We have a one-off chance to bid for multi-million-pound funding for a unique project to transform and future-proof the park, by enhancing and protecting heritage gems, improving biodiversity and providing better visitor facilities, learning opportunities and information. But we can’t do this without the help of local residents.
“I’m urging everyone who visits Greenwich Park regularly and enjoys this unique green space to come along to our consultation meetings and help shape our proposals. And please tell your friends and family too. Sharing your views and providing feedback on our proposals will help us to ensure that Greenwich Park is conserved and enhanced for generations to come.”
The Royal Parks charity has initial support* from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and BIG Lottery Fund for a £4.8million grant, as part of the multi-million-pound project. The Royal Parks, and other funders, will also contribute to the project. The project is supported by The Friends of Greenwich Park.
“Greenwich Park Revealed” has been awarded an initial development funding by the National Lottery to develop the project proposals more fully by incorporating the views of park users on the park’s future.
The final bid will be submitted at the end of August 2019.