Highways England to help save three historic buildings

Three ‘at risk’ buildings in a West London park will be transformed into thriving community assets with help from the road operator Highways England.

Gunnersbury Park is a 75-hectare Historic England Registered Park containing 22 listed buildings.

Eight of the twenty-two listed buildings have been on Historic England’s national Heritage At Risk Register.

A £344,000 grant from Highways England Now will help to secure the future of three of the threatened buildings through transforming them into cultural and artistic facilities for the local community.

‘I am delighted that Highways England has been able to contribute to this scheme which will help ensure a sustainable future for this beautiful park and its important buildings for generations to come,’ said Highways England’s principal cultural heritage advisor, Jim Hunter.

‘We believe in operating and improving our roads in a way that protects and supports people and the things we value for our quality of life,  and helping to enhance the historic environment on or close to our road network is what our Designated Fund for Cultural Heritage is all about.’

The park and its buildings are jointly owned by Ealing and Hounslow Councils and managed by the not-for-profit Gunnersbury Estate 2026 Community Interest Company.

The London Borough of Hounslow and Ealing Council along with Historic England, formulated the Gunnersbury 2026 Masterplan in 2012, outlining three phases for the park’s regeneration.

‘This is a significant opportunity to continue the restoration of Gunnersbury Park,’ said Hounslow Council leader, Cllr Steve Curran.

‘It’s great news for our local communities and for newcomers who can enjoy a whole host of activities and enjoy the wonderful amenities that Gunnersbury park has to offer.

‘At a time when public finances are under increasing pressure, we are extremely grateful for the funding received from bodies such as Highways England to help preserve this irreplaceable part of our local heritage for generations to come.’

Photo Credit – Historic England