Final day to give feedback on future of Wimbledon Park

Merton Council, along with LDA Design, has revealed three different possibilities for how the park could look in the future, which they say have been formed from two key ‘concepts’ in the development process: ensuring minimal intervention while maximising the character of the landscape.

Wimbledon Park was originally by Capability Brown, and stretches across 27 hectares of green space, including a nine hectare lake and sporting facilities including an athletics track.

July 17: Future of Wimbledon Park opens up for debate

However, Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond has submitted a joint response to the plans with Putney MP Justine Greening, arguing that more needs to be done to ensure the project is community-led and that the concerns of residents are listened to.

Wimbledon Park athletics track

The response reads: ‘On the whole, investment in the park is welcome. However, this should be in context with the existing park and, critically, should reflect the views of the local community and park users. This should not be an opportunity to impose a project which is not supported locally, at the cost of its taxpayers.

‘We will continue to represent residents’ views on the proposals and would welcome the opportunity to work closely with both Merton Council and Wandsworth Council to ensure that the lasting legacy of the park is positive, and community driven.’

However, Merton Council cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper, said: "Involving residents is absolutely part of our commitment to ensuring our flagship Wimbledon Park continues to benefit all Merton’s residents, including those in generations to come.

"Involving local and Merton-wide groups and our public consultations are essential to the way we do business and that is why we held a public consultation over the last two months, which included three special events with experts, and gave residents the opportunity to tell us their views about the proposals. 

"I am pleased that so many Merton and Wandsworth residents have responded to the consultation.”

All three options are expected to cost £12m, with the athletics option ranging between £1-8m, leading to a predicted total cost of £13-20m.

The first masterplan option represents the least amount of change, demolishing the café building but upgrading the bowls pavilion.

The cafe building

The existing water sports and outdoor centre will be demolished, with a new building proposed nearer to the athletics compound. The children’s play area will be concentrated in front of the White Pavilion.

The second option would include the demolition of the existing athletics compound and creation of new facilities on the eastern edge of the park.

A new water sports and outdoor centre will be built in the south of the park, and the former location of the centre will be re-landscaped and integrated into the park.

The plans for the café, bowls pavilion and children’s play areas are the same as in option one.

The final masterplan option contains the most dramatic changes for the park. The top five to ten tennis courts would be converted into mini soccer pitches, and high and low ropes courses would be introduced. The bowls pavilion and bowling greens would be removed and the area re-landscaped to try and prevent flooding.

The plans for the athletics compound and water sports and outdoor centre remain the same, although the new centre will be three storeys, rather than the two storeys set out in the other two options.

To leave your feedback, click here. 

To read the full response from Stephen Hammond and Justine Greening, click here.

What do you think? Email letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk