Springfield Park improvements
A number of improvement projects are planned for in Springfield Park. These include the restoration of the White House (Springfield Mansion) , the replacement of the park's glass house and some essential maintenance work to the old stable block to make it water tight to prevent the building deteriorating further.
The White House (Springfield Mansion)
A planning application has been submitted by the Council to restore this grade two listed building. The proposed works include repairs and restoration to the first floor which is currently in a poor condition and not accessible to the general public. Improvements will include the installation of a lift connecting the basement to the ground and first floors. Toilet provision will also be improved on the ground and first floors. The cafe will be retained in the building but it is proposed to relocate the kitchen to the basement and improving the seating area.
The planning application can be viewed at Planning Application 2010/3024 and includes descriptions and plans of the proposals. We are awaiting comment on the proposals from English Heritage and expect to have their comments by the end of 2011.
The Glass House
You may not have noticed the glass house in Springfield Park as it is tucked away behind the parks maintenance depot and an old wooden fence. It was originally constructed as a horticultural glass house in order to produce plants for all of Hackney's parks. However, in more recent years it was converted into a winter garden and supported some more unusual tropical plants and was well loved by the local community. Unfortunately the glass house's structural integrity is now failing and it needs to be replaced. The planned glass house will be slightly smaller than the existing structure but will accommodate a winter garden and pond as well as space for food growing and horticultural education.
You can view the design and access statement or the full planning application can be viewed at Planning Application 2011/1534, it is available to comment on until 26/09/11.
For further information on either of these projects please contact Bruce Irving the Parks development officer, bruce.irving@hackney.gov.uk
Page updated: 9 Sep 2011
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