HERITAGE
Stately progress
Gunnersbury Park and its many historic buildings have
been closed to the general public while a large and
complex restoration has been taking place. Many people
may have been wondering what has been going on.
I
t is a multi-million-pound project that will
bring the park grounds to life in a way not
seen for years, and the museum and other
listed structures on the site are receiving
significant attention.
Indeed, the site, off Popes Lane in Acton, has
been a hive of activity and council leader Julian
Bell paid it a visit recently to see how things
were progressing at the site, which is jointly
owned by Ealing and Hounslow councils.
The freshly reinstated Horseshoe Pond
should soon be filled with water; and repairs
have started on the Round Pond, which should
eventually be restored to its popular old self,
when boating was possible on its waters.
A nature trail has been under construction
and two artists have been on-site
creating timber sculptures using
wood from old, fallen trees in the
park. The trail will give visitors an
opportunity to explore the park’s
beautiful grounds in a different way
– and guided walks will be available
in the future, including ‘mini-beast
safaris’ for children to enjoy.
A full-time head gardener has
been appointed, who is developing
a range of projects in the park with
Capel Manor Horticultural College
students. A team of garden volunteers
meet weekly and they harvested the
first crop of fruit and vegetables this
autumn from Gunnersbury’s new
community garden.
Restoration of the heritage
structures dotted across the
parkland is in full flow, too. Work
has been taking place on the
Orangery; the terrace arches; the
historic steps behind the bathhouse
and at the west viewpoint; and the
sham bridges.
Terrace arches
and steps
20
around ealing
Winter 2016/17
Councillor Bell in front of the large mansion house
A new café and display building for horsedrawn carriages and other historic vehicles
belonging to the museum is also starting to take
shape, meanwhile.
The large mansion, which houses the
museum, is a listed building and needed
significant repair. The roof has been receiving
attention – including new slate being installed;
and some urgent replastering work has been
taking place indoors, along with some other
preservation and repair.
The museum should reopen towards the
end of 2017. Most of the park remains open,
Sham bridge