A large piece of wasteland along the River Thames in Chelsea is set to be transformed into a new public park. Cremorne Wharf Depot Foreshore, which also houses the Thames Tideway Tunnel, will become an open space for the community.
Park Features and Design
The council-led scheme will convert the nearly one-acre wharf into a park filled with seating, planting, trees, and play areas. The space will be divided into zones for activity, play, socializing, and quieter relaxation. The proposal was approved by Kensington and Chelsea's Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday evening, April 28.
Objections and Modifications
The Port of London Authority objected to the plans, citing a lack of information about the council's actions at the end of the proposed period. In response, provisions for reinstating the wharf will be added to the application.
Councillor James Husband, Chairman of the Committee, said: "It was only a matter of a few months ago that I appreciated how large a piece of land this is. I didn't realize the size of the site potentially available for a park. So, overall, it's good news that something can be brought forward."
Access and Operations
A new pedestrian link to the Thames Path will be created through the partial demolition of a western boundary wall. The park will be open daily from 7:30 am until dusk, overseen by a park keeper and patrolled by the borough's Parks Police Service.
Temporary Nature
The proposal is temporary, featuring plotted plants and moveable structures, allowing the space to be used as a wharf again in the future. Beneath the concrete surface lies the Thames Tideway Tunnel, which prevents tens of millions of tonnes of raw sewage from polluting the river.
