West Ealing Park To Close in Summer
Major refurbishment of Dean Gardens aiming to 'transform' space
Major refurbishment plans will see Dean Gardens in West Ealing closed from Summer until next Spring.
The small neighbourhood park, situated on the Uxbridge Road, has had a chequered history over the years with a variety of violent incidents and anti-social behaviour and was once dubbed 'stabby park' by locals. However residents have also tried to make changes creating family friendly community events including the Soundbite music Festival.
The funding for the transformation is part of Live West Ealing project which is aiming to change the neighbourhood by improving conditions for walking, cycling and public transport. It's a collaboration bewteen Transport For London, Ealing Council and local organisations.
Plans include new and improved natural play areas with a dedicated growing area for a new type of community led gardening with raised gardening beds providing an educational resource for adults and children.
New lamp columns will be installed along all the new paths to increase night-time visibility across the whole park and the lighting will ''use warm golden tones to minimise disturbance to wildlife''.
Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council said: “Dean Gardens is the heart of West Ealing and offers an open escape from the busy Uxbridge Road. I am delighted that we are putting in funding with TfL to transform the space so that there are plenty of activities to choose from for all residents to enjoy.
“I would like to thank all of our partners for their help on the Live West Ealing project. And send a massive thank you to all the local community groups who helped with ideas, without their local knowledge we would not be able to create a space that is right for the community.''
There has been some concern expressed over mature trees being cleared and plans to remove the antique iron railings which border the gardens, replacing them with timber fencing and low hedges.
David Highton From West Ealing Neighbours Says:
'' Making changes to such a key community asset like Dean Gardens will always be controversial. I know the question of whether or not to remove the railings splits opinion. The loss of trees is always a concern but we understand more new trees will be planted than have been lost and that work had to be done before the birds start to nest.
''Our main concern is that local residents know what is planned for Dean Gardens and that is why we have a public meeting this evening. We are very keen to encourage local residents to get directly involved with Dean Gardens' future and we will be raising the idea of forming a Friends of Dean Gardens with the aim that this group can help ensure the park remains a much-used and valuable community asset for West Ealing.''
The meeting will be taking place (ahead of the Live West Ealing presentation) from 7.30pm Thursday 12th March at the Welshore Community Hub 99 Broadway, West Ealing W13 9BP
The Live West Ealing team will be presenting their ideas on the redevelopment of Dean Gardens Wednesday 1 April from 4.30 – 8pm at Lido Centre 63 Mattock Ln, Ealing, London W13 9LA
March 12 2020