Regeneration work begins in Larkhall Park

Stockwell’s Larkhall Park will reap the benefits of a substantial cash injection that will enable improvements to be made to the park’s environment and facilities. £1/2 million funding has already been secured by the council from Urban II – a European regeneration fund and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. This money will go towards making the park greener, cleaner and safer. Further funding is expected to reach the £1 million mark within the first year.

The improvement works are programmed to take place over three years. Priority work in the first year will concentrate on upgrading the sports facilities and increasing the safety of those using the park.

Widespread consultation has taken place with key groups, including the Friends of Larkhall Park, the Stockwell Partnership and the Metropolitan Police. The plans for the regeneration work have been developed by Landscape Architects Shillam and Smith and will include a floodlit multiple use games area and tennis courts. The central football pitch, currently used by the Portuguese football league, will also be upgraded.

Improvements to park safety will encourage more people to use the facilities available, and Lambeth Council, following police advice, will carry out work to improve sightlines across the park, increase lighting levels and widen park entrances.

A biodiversity plan has also been developed and new planting programmes - such as a wildflower meadow - are planned for the Spring, with the involvement of local schools.

Cllr. Clare Whelan executive member for environment said of the plans: "It is incredibly satisfying to see such grand plans reach the stage where work can begin. Larkhall Park will be given a new lease of life and provide a green and healthy space to many people who have felt unable to use it in the past."

Chair of the Friends of Larkhall Park, Carl Kowsky, said; “The Friends of Larkhall Park have been really impressed with the effort and time Lambeth’s Parks Department has made in consulting with local residents and sourcing funds for the regeneration of Larkhall Park. I never imagined that the process would be so complicated.

"Over the next few years the park will see real improvements not only to safety and sports facilities, but also children’s’ play facilities and bio-diversity."

The Larkhall Park masterplan is available to view on www.larkhallparkfriends.org.uk