12 August 2008
Your views sought on proposed new vision for Hampstead
Heath
A new, long-term vision for the Parliament Hill area of
Hampstead Heath has been unveiled – and bosses want to know your
views of the plans.
Dubbed “the Parliament Hill triangle”, the area to the
south-east of the Heath by Gospel Oak is a busy gateway and is
heavily used by the millions who visit the Heath each year. But its
municipal feel has been out of keeping with the more rural nature
of the rest of the Heath.
The draft “Masterplan” includes new proposals which aim to
improve access and orientation on the perimeter and within the
Heath, make it more attractive particularly to those who live south
of its borders, restore the “countryside in the city” atmosphere to
the area, relocate buildings and structures and improve visitors’
understanding of the heritage of the Heath.
Some of the “wish list” of plans for the 20-year-long programme
include:
- Introducing new planting schemes - replacing municipal planting
with native trees and shrubs, screening structures, opening up
currently blocked-off areas.
- Realigning and resurfacing footpaths - to enhance views and
create a focus on the Heath’s naturalness.
- Relocating the Parliament Hill café to the south of the
existing footpath - to provide an improved facility more in-keeping
with its prestigious location.
- Creating a new Heath Life Centre – building a new visitor and
interpretation centre next to the new café to help improve
understanding of the heritage of the Heath. This would be in
addition to the existing Heath Life Education Centre at the
Lido.
- Improving the Lido – undertake a programme of structural
repairs and refurbishment to the Grade II listed building. Create
an improved lido, looking outwards to the main body of the Heath,
provide a connected area outside the building for sunbathing and
create a new community space within existing Lido buildings.
- Improving play facilities – establishing an extended play space
by the existing playground, creating a new multi-use games area
(MUGA) and realigning the adventure playground and One O’clock Club
to face into the Heath rather than away from it.
- Updating athletics track pavilion – creating better changing
facilities, building a new refreshment and warm-up area and
additional spaces for sports clubs.
The City of London Corporation has already pledged £1.425
million to go towards some of the work and the City is in the
process of making an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s
Parks for People programme for additional capital funding. The
views of Heath visitors – and those who don’t visit the Heath – on
the future of this important open space are vital to this
process.
Full details of the Masterplan and the questionnaire can be
accessed online at
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampstead.
Responses to the questionnaire can be returned by freepost, to be
received by Friday 29 August 2008
Ends
Notes for editors
The City of London Corporation has owned and managed Hampstead
Heath (excluding the Kenwood Estate) since 1989. Situated in North
London and spanning the boroughs of Camden and Barnet, the 791
acres make up one of Britain’s most popular open spaces. Situated
just four miles from Trafalgar Square, the Heath is treasured by
its visitors for being an island of tranquil countryside in the
heart of London. More than seven million people visit Hampstead
Heath each year.