PIPII Update May 2014 - London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

PIPII Update May 2015
BARNES
Barnes Towpath
Continuation of upgrade of towpath from Leg o’Mutton to Putney Bridge will take place in
spring using the same material which is in keeping with the nature of the area.
Five new benches have been installed from Kew Pier to White Hart Public House and repairs
to chicanes.
Status: complete.
HAMPTON
CARLISLE PARK
Working with the Friends of Carlisle Park to improve entrance beds – continue a programme
of bamboo eradication in spring before we can do new planting in autumn 2015. Clearance
of the bed has taken place and summer bulbs have planted to provide some interest and
colour until the new scheme is planted later this year.
Status: ongoing
HEATHFIELD
HEATHFIELD RECREATION GROUND
The Council is also considering the installation of additional fitness equipment to the
outdoor gym and will be carrying out a public consultation in the near future.
A new poppy meadow has been sown with the Friends of the River Crane & Heathfield
Junior School, this may be replaced with a permanent planted meadow later this year
subject to funding.
Status: ongoing.
CRANE PARK
MILL ROAD OPEN SPACE
Continued work with the Friends of the River Crane Environment (FORCE) is scheduled.
Works to include hedge planting, installation of interpretation signage and archaeological
education events with local schools.
Works to water course funded by Thames Water will take place over spring/summer
including toe board removal, scalloping edges, in channel deflectors and marginal planting
by volunteers. EA approval has been gained.
Status: start in June with work to take 6-8 weeks.
WILLOW WAY
Work started in Willow Way in November to improve entrances/pathway clearance and fly
tip removal. Work to river will also take place in winter, including toe board removal and
marginal planting by volunteers – subject to EA consent. New natural footpath to link space
with Hospital Bridge Road was installed in spring. EA approval has been gained.
Status: start in June with work to take 6-8 weeks.
KEW
WESTERLY WARE
The Friends of Westerley Ware are also keen to improve the memorial garden by carrying
out tree works, removal of some shrubs, new plantings and improved access points. Work to
start once the quotes for the proposals have been approved.
Status: work in progress, complete by end May.
RICHMOND
BRIDGEHOUSE GARDENS
Work to upgrade the steps from Richmond Bridge to improve accessibility.
Status: complete.
OLD DEER PARK
A colourful and dynamic planting of perennials and ornamental grasses, the area outside
ODP car park will be planted in drifts, designed to be recognisable from passing vehicles.
Emphasis will be on summer and autumn flowering species which will be in flower during
the rugby world cup period. This may mean we have to cut back some species to promote
rapid establishment and encourage a good late summer display in the plants’ first year.
Status: complete.
ST MARGARETS
Moormead Rec
Working with the Friends of Moormead and Bandy Recreation Ground we created a toddler
space within the existing play area with seating and further 2 benches along railway line.
Considerations are also being made to install an outdoor gym subject to consultation by
Friends, we will work with the Friends once a decision has been made.
Status: play area & benches complete.
SHEEN
North Sheen Rec
Working with the newly established Friends of Group on upgrades to both play areas,
consultation complete and aim to go out to tender in early summer.
Status: ongoing with desire to have play upgrades complete by year end.
TEDDINGTON
Working with Teddington Society on improvements to Teddington Memorial Garden
(opposite Memorial Hospital).
Permission given from Parks and Highways with
consideration for WW1 & memorial events during the year. Await revised plan from
Teddington Society.
Status: ongoing.
TWICKENHAM
CHAMPIONS WHARF
The Council is considering redesigning the layout of Champions Wharf to make it a more
useable space with more seating and with the aim of encouraging visitors to enter York
House Gardens. A public consultation was carried out in March and was supportive. Site will
be closed from 1st June to ensure it is complete for the Rugby World Cup with access for
Richmond Shakespeare Society during their event only. A temporary Play Beach will be
created in Diamond Jubilee Gardens to compensate for the closure of the play beach.
Status: work started on site May 5th. Due to complete early September.
HOLLY ROAD GARDEN OF REST
Both pedestrian entrances off Holly Road will be upgrades in spring to create a safer
entry/exit from the Gardens onto the road, including the installation of self-closing gates set
back into the park.
Status: start 18th May 2015
DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND RIVER
An application was submitted to the GLA’s Big Green Fund for match funding for The Duke’s
River Project – Revitalising the Link between the River Crane and River Thames
This project proposes to re-invigorate the community, access and environmental value of
the Duke of Northumberland’s River (DNR), as a key link for wildlife and people between the
River Crane and the River Thames. This will be achieved through a series of co-ordinated
projects, designed to create a newly coherent access and wildlife corridor for west London,
through urban areas of extreme contrast and character.
Status: successful in our funding application and work to start in late spring with aim to
complete as much as possible before the Rugby World Cup in September.
WHITTON:
MURRAY PARK
The improvement works include fencing repairs, furniture upgrade, vegetation removal in
the play area to improve safety, additional hedge planting around the perimeter to
encourage biodiversity, further tree planting and suitable improvements to play equipment
if appropriate. Murray Hall is being discussed as part of a larger Uplift project. A new
footpath along Kneller Road perimeter will improve access for all.
Status: complete.
NELSON ROAD TRIANGLE
The Nelson Road Triangle is one of several green spaces in the borough benefiting from new
planting schemes as part of our Parks Improvement Programme II. The area is
approximately 140m2 and will be another ‘Urban Meadow’ scheme, similar to those at Small
Profits Dock, Gothic Gardens and Terrace Gardens Upper Terrace. They are all sustainable
and naturalistic forms of planting that provide lots of colour over a long period of time. They
are also a great source of nectar, pollen and seed heads for insects.
Status: complete.
General Parks Projects
Poppy Meadows to commemorate WW1 Centenary are being planted at the
following locations Heathfield Rec, Radnor Gardens, North Sheen Rec and Crane
Park Meadway entrance.
This will entail:
 Spraying off grass areas, inc. 2nd application or further spot treatment for
any persistent weeds
 Cultivate to 150-200mm to alleviate compaction, then rake/roll to produce
fine firm surface
 Sow at a rate of 3g/m2 seed
Creation of new bye law to prevent illegal mooring – complete and being
implemented by our Enforcement Team.
New interpretation signage for conservation sites – install in early summer.
Cyclical programme of improvements to play areas each year – ongoing with new
sites for 2016 being considered.
London in Bloom Judging 2014 Gold for the sixth year running and category winner
as well as a host of other awards.
Communities in Bloom – Best International City Category for Richmond.
http://www.richmond.gov.uk/home/services/leisure_and_culture/parks_and_open
_spaces/parks_awards_and_accolades/in_bloom_competitions.htm#cib
All park Projects are progressing on time and on budget utilising additional funding from
S106 and external grants where possible. Cabinet Member and Ward Councillors are kept
up to date on all new projects and press releases arranged upon completion of significant
projects.