Shepherds Bush Green improvements start in January

Exciting work to redevelop Shepherds Bush Green starts in January!

To the delight of Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council, the first spade will break ground early next year and all the work will be completed in time for the London Olympics next summer.

The new improved Green will sport two new state-of the-art playgrounds, one catering for young children and one for older children and teenagers. Playgrounds will include a range of swings and slides, a sandpit with mechanical diggers, a six yard-high space net, climbing walls, roundabouts and other equipment designed to challenge, develop motor skills and keep children happy and entertained for hours.

The footpath and cycle network will be improved to better reflect the paths that cyclists and pedestrians are likely to take, with pathways widened and a tree lined avenue providing an attractive walking route around the Green.

In addition, the Grade II listed War Memorial is to be reset onto a new granite stepped plinth.

The council has been trying to improve the Green for several years but those plans were held up as the proposals needed the consent of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The plans were then studied by the Planning Inspectorate who eventually gave the green light in June.

Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for resident's services, said:

"It has been a long time coming but we are absolutely thrilled that work will finally start soon to improve this flagship open space. The scheme will undoubtedly benefit everyone who lives near, visits or works in and around Shepherds Bush, as well as rejuvenating a park that really needs a boost. There have been several years of frustration but I am sure that the improvements will be well worth waiting for.”

Local residents are also excited about work commencing.

John Ryan, of Tunis Road, said:

"As a local resident living in Shepherds Bush for 22 years, I walk across Shepherds Bush Green on an almost daily basis. The Green has had it's fair share of problems over the years, including antisocial behaviour, street drinkers and irresponsible dog owners fouling the area.

“There is finally hope on the horizon, as the council gears up to complete the work which we have been promised over the years. When this work, together with the other  improvements being carried out in Shepherds Bush, is complete we shall have an area to be proud of, not an ‘end of the line’ image as was once put to me.

The improvements to the Green will rejuvenate an area of potential beauty to somewhere we can be proud to walk across.”

Melanie Whitlock of the Hammersmith Society added:

“We are thrilled that this work shall be taking place. We have always been in favour of some renovations or improvements to the Green as it really is in great need of some TLC. We are pleased that the scheme is going ahead in a way that complements the historic nature of the Green. What we would really like to see is the greenery taken onwards and upwards at the east end.”