Wanstead Park was declared as on the ‘at risk’ register by English Heritage back in 2009, as it was believed the landscape was declining and in urgent need of new investment. As a result, the City of London have appointed consultants to help develop long term regeneration plans for the park. They will be progressing proposals with the Epping Forest team, residents and other local organisations, over the next four months.
The main proposals to improve the landscape, its historic features, visitor facilities, community and educational programmes, will be summarised in a ‘Conservation Statement’ which the Corporation will then consider taking forward as part of a ‘Parks for People’ bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Grade II* registered park and garden covers Wanstead Park but also includes Wanstead Golf Course and the Bush Wood / Wanstead flats areas in the outer park and these areas will all be considered within the scope of drafting the Conservation Statement. One major priority which has already been identified by residents is to start restoration work to the well-known, grade II listed Grotto.
The consultation runs from 14th – 28th February and you can give your feedback by completing this form. For more information on developments in Wanstead Park visit the City of London and the Wanstead Parklands Community Project websites.