Proposal Made for Restoration of Promenade Approach |
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Dukes Meadows Trust consulting on plans to revive historic walkway
January 5, 2024 As part of its continuing commitment to improve the riverside area, The Dukes Meadows Trust has drawn up plans to restore Promenade Approach. It has launched a consultation and wants the views of local people on the proposals. The historic walkway which begins on Edensor Road was created in the 1920s to provide access to the growing working population employed by light industries on the Thames. It fell into disrepair through to the eighties, but the Trust has raised over £1million for improvement of the surrounding area including the restoration of the original grand iron gates at the entrance to the Approach Road in 2022. Trust Chair, Paul Davis describes the plans for Promenade Approach as ‘the last piece of the jigsaw’ after the completion of other elements of its masterplan commissioned by the Trust back in 2003. These include the planting of the orchard back in 2003, the Paddling Pool and Playground built in 2007 and 2010, and the hedgerows, coppices of trees and a new avenue of Lime trees that have been planted over the years. The restoration of the Approach Road and the area around the Pump House would complete the masterplan which has already transformed the park from a derelict no go area to an attractive and well-loved park. The Trust has secured a first stage pass for a Thriving Communities Grant of £200,000. It is hopeful of securing the grant, although there are no guarantees and further fundraising may be needed.
Paul Davis said, “The restoration of the park is a terrific achievement by the community. Strong community leadership and involvement, through input into designs and regular volunteering has been a key feature of the project and made the improvements sustainable. We are delighted to see continued involvement from people who have supported the trust in its work since the initial stages of the masterplan. Tibor Babic, who was involved in creating the initial design brief while in primary school, produced the visualisations for the latest project plans. Tibor now works as a landscape architect at Dar Al-Handasah and will be supporting the consultation events.” The plans and an online consultation survey are on the Trust’s website. See Promenade Approach Consultation. The plans will also be on display outside Chiswick Pier House on Saturday 13 January at the Trust’s Farmers Market on Sunday 14 January. Both events will take place from 11am to 1pm. The Trust welcomes feedback on the plans.
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