We are committing more funds to improving Beckenham Place Park
The improvements planned would also help income generation, with an estimated £160,000 per year being generated when improvements are complete.
We will be spending £1.14 million on improving the eastern side of the park. We had previously committed to spending £2 million in a joint scheme with the Environment Agency. However, this money was never spent after the Environment Agency had found their plans to be not be viable under their funding arrangements.
Suggested improvements for the eastern side of the park include:
- a re-worked entrance space at Old Bromley Road
- a new bridge over the river
- a large adventurous play area
- new paths and routes within the area, including signage and trails
- wetland habitats, and a better connection between the river and the open space
- toilets and a refreshment kiosk
- under-fives play
- improvements to the skate park.
Work on the western side of the park is nearly complete and its regeneration has seen visitor numbers soar from 187,000 users in 2016 to 406,000 in 2018. Additionally, there has been a substantial increase in the number of younger people and BAME residents using the park. This work was funded via a £4.7 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as a grant from the GLA. Restored features and new attractions funded include:
- restoration of the Georgian lake
- habitat enhancements including wet woodland area
- a new café in the restored listed stables
- restoration of elements of the historic landscape – pleasure gardens, courtyard and carriage drive to the Mansion House
- extensive education opportunities – ecological education for children and adults, horticulture and curriculum studies in geography, history and science
- community food growing
- restoration of the Gardener’s Cottage to serve as a volunteering hub
- kayaking, open water swimming, mountain biking, adventure play
- small-scale community events to commercial film, music and arts events
- new cycling tracks, accessible walking routes, 5km running route, and skate park
- two new children’s play areas.