Dukes Meadows Public Consultation To Start Soon

Local opinions sought over the future of the recreational area

A public consultation on the plans for the future of the Dukes Meadows recreational area is almost ready to start, the Chiswick Area Forum was told this week (September 26th)

Stefania Horne, Head of Parks for Hounslow Council gave an update on how the Council was proceeding with the upgrading project- she said there would be a public consultation in October/November, before they could proceed to a planning application.

Local people will receive a mailshot in the next few weeks and by October 16th the plans should go live online. There are also plans to hold an Open exhibition on October 31st.

There will also be meetings arranged with stakeholders, the sporting bodies, the allotments, and others. It is thought the planning application can be lodged at the end of December and funding finalised by the Spring of 2018 .The funding required is estimated to be over £10 million.

There had been previously been talks held with national governing bodies of the sports organisations currently based in Dukes Meadows (football, rugby and hockey groups) with a view towards funding and sharing facilities and they would be making bids for funding to Sport England and others.

The response to a previous survey of local people indicates that two-thirds of residents would like to see an upgrade of facilities. The idea of a Towpath Pedestrian link has proven to be popular, and other issues raised by local people included better space for walking and cycling, better benches, signs and bins.

Funding is estimated to be around £10 million but it is also thought that after funding from various bodies, there could be a £3 million shortfall.

Dukes Meadows is a popular local recreational area which has has two play areas, a riverside walk, Sunday Market and open areas for informal games of football or other games. You can read more about the area on their website

September 28, 2017