8 February 2010
Whitestone Pond spawns new look
Phase two begins today (Monday 8 February 2010) on the project
to transform Whitestone Pond into an inviting meeting place for the
local community and visitors to enjoy.
Improved walkways and new lighting are just some of the
improvements made in phase one of the development to enhance the
current facilities and features.
The second phase will see the refurbishment of the pond
itself.
Improvement works include:
- New state of the art filtration systems and lining materials to
ensure that the pond is clean and full of water at all
times.
- New planting and grass areas around the pond, with the aim of
creating a visual link between the heath, the pond and Whitestone
walk.
- Improvements to existing seating to allow visitors greater
views of the pond and heath; as well as cast iron bins and sign
posts to tie in with the Victorian feel of the area.
- York Stone paving and bound gravel on the surrounding footways
to tie the rural nature of the Heath into the pond environment.
York Stone and Granite will also be used to improve the appearance
of the pond whilst enhancing the pedestrian accessibility around
the pond.
The plans for Whitestone Pond have been put together by the City
of London, who is responsible for the pond itself, London
Borough of Camden, Transport for London, the Heath and Hampstead
Society and English Heritage. The main contractors for the works
are Volker Highways.
Michael Welbank, Chairman of Hampstead Heath Management
Committee at the City of London Corporation, said: “This is an
exciting milestone in the transformation of Whitestone Pond. The
City Corporation is proud to manage the pond and through this work
to create a fitting focal point for Hampstead Heath and the
surrounding area."
Councillor Chris Knight, Camden Council’s Executive Member for
Environment, said: “I am delighted the second phase of this project
is under way. New life is being breathed into this historic
landmark, making it the perfect gateway into Hampstead. Within a
few months we will see this area transformed into a space that
everyone can enjoy and be proud of.”
Juliette Sonabend, Heath and Hampstead Society said:" Four
years on, from my very first meeting with Camden Council, when I
laid out my vision and dreams for Whitestone Pond and the
surrounding area, my excitement is almost at fever pitch.
Turning a vision into a tangible reality has been a very
challenging and rewarding process. I passionately hope that
the final results will be a benefit, not only to local residents,
but also the numerous people that flock to Hampstead and the
Heath."
Originally called Horse Pond, Whitestone Pond is the highest point
in London. The pond is the pedestrian hub between the West Heath
and Hampstead Heath, as well as the main gateway into Hampstead
village.
Works are due to be completed by the end of June ready to be
used over the summer period.
Ends
Notes to editors
Phase one included improving the footways surrounding the pond,
on Whitestone Walk, North End Way and West Heath Road to a good
standard. New heritage style lighting columns, in-keeping with
Hampstead Town Centre have been installed. In addition the
roundabout at the junction of Spaniards Road and North End Way has
been improved.
Press contact
Lesley Mair
Press Office
City of London Corporation
Guildhall, PO Box 270, London EC2P 2EJ
T: 020 7332 3639
M: 07785 528 453
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
My usual working days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday