A series of projects to improve Kelsey Park have been given approval, with preparatory work underway.
Over £2.5 million of investment for Kelsey Park will see both the park’s larger footbridge replaced, and the lakes desilted. The Friends of Kelsey Park are also set to create a community garden in a disused yard within the park, further improving one of the borough’s flagship parks, with funding from the council’s Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund.
Councillor Thomas Turrell, Executive Assistant Councillor for Environment says, “This welcome news is a significant step forward for Kelsey Park and underlines our desire to improve and enhance our fantastic parks where we can. We are very pleased to be working closely with the Friends of Kelsey Park group to see the visions of our Open Space Strategy come through for Bromley and help rejuvenate Kelsey Park for future generations to enjoy."
Wendy Hardy, Chair for the Friends of Kelsey Park says, “We are pleased that these important projects are being brought forward. We are, of course, delighted that we will be able to create the community garden as well, which will be able to be used by all, from the elderly, to those with disabilities and children to, bringing yet another feature into our park.”
Kelsey Park Bridge
The council is providing £567k of funding to replace the park’s larger footbridge to facilitate access and navigation through to the park and its amenities.
Work has been taking place over the spring and summer this year on the preliminary design work for the replacement bridge, including ecology and tree surveys, ground investigations and preliminary designs of the bridge. On-site activity has also been conducted by the geotechnical surveyor and our construction methodologist.
The preliminary design work for the bridge replacement is nearing completion, with work now starting on the tender process to award a contract for the construction of the bridge later this year.
It is hoped that the work will complete on the bridge in summer 2024.
Kelsey Park Lake desilting
Recognising the benefits that lakes, ponds and rivers provide to the local ecosystems, biodiversity, and improving the attractiveness of its open spaces, the council has committed £2million to scoping works to support the health of waterbodies in its parks.
A programme of desilting has recently been approved for Kelsey Park Lakes, with some significant preparatory works required before this can proceed, including ecological assessments, silt surveys, applications for the relevant permits and a methodology for the works.
Kelsey Park Lake has been placed as a high priority for these desilting works, due to its conservation importance and to help with flood risk management.
It is envisaged that the works will be carried out in a phased approach, starting with the silt trap, with the upper lake and lower lake running concurrently where possible. The majority of removed silt will be disposed of, although it is expected that some may be retained for island creation.
It is hoped that the works will be carried out towards the latter half of 2024, subject to all permissions being in place and the result of any tenders.
Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund
The Friends of Kelsey Park have been awarded £20k from the council’s Platinum Jubilee Parks Fund for the creation of a community garden in a disused yard within the park.
Once established, it is envisaged that the garden will be available to the community for planting and growing purposes, as well as establishing a community focal point to promote healthy eating, encourage active lifestyles, and tackle loneliness and social isolation in the community.
A recent community day to help clear the yard to prepare the ground for the garden was a great success and involved a collaboration with a local business.
The friends are now working with the council and Idverde to fully develop and scope the final design for the garden.
Ends
For media enquiries, please contact Justin Brown, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8461 7872 or email justin.brown@bromley.gov.uk