Chiswick's Ginkgo Corner Set for Green Transformation

Plans are underway to revitalise a neglected area in Chiswick, known locally as 'Ginkgo Corner', situated opposite the old police station. This initiative aims to transform the deteriorating raised bed into an inviting and aesthetically pleasing public space. The project will introduce new seating and enhanced planting, aiming to boost biodiversity and improve the visual appeal of the area. The refurbishment will also address infrastructure issues by replacing the crumbling brick walls and enhancing drainage through increased greenery. This effort is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the heart of Chiswick, which has long been in need of significant refurbishment.

Funding for this ambitious project has been secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a component of the government's Levelling Up agenda. Additional financial support is being provided by the Chiswick Flower Market, which is also spearheading the project. The landscape architect leading the transformation is Luke Greysmith, a seasoned professional with an impressive portfolio, including his role as a lead designer for the renowned Eden Project and various urban street transformations.

The project aligns with feedback from the 2023 Flower Market Co-Design Survey and supports the objectives of the Flower Market, which is managed pro bono by local residents. The market was established to reinvest its profits into revitalising the High Road. Although this is a standalone project, it could potentially integrate into a larger redesign of the Old Market Place if future plans proceed. Subject to public consultation, work on the project could commence imminently.

Luke Greysmith, a Chartered Landscape Architect with 30 years of experience, was invited in 2022 to develop initial designs for the entire Old Market Place area. His task involved incorporating over 400 public responses from the Co-Design Survey and creating feasible proposals that consider existing underground services and other constraints. Greysmith's extensive experience spans a wide range of projects, from large-scale developments to smaller private endeavours. His notable achievements include being a key designer for the iconic Eden Project and working on the £52 million redevelopment of the West Thames College campus, a project complicated by its location within a Conservation Area.

In 2014, Greysmith led a groundbreaking project in Bethnal Green, transforming Derbyshire Street into a vibrant pocket park. This initiative incorporated sustainable urban drainage systems, seating areas, green roofs, rain gardens, and space for café seating. It has since become a model for street-greening schemes and serves as an example of what could be achieved in Chiswick. The project was recognised by the Landscape Institute, earning an award for "Design for a Small Scale Development." With his vision and expertise, Greysmith is a valuable asset to the Ginkgo Corner project.

The area known as 'Ginkgo Corner' is located at the intersection of Linden Gardens and Old Market Place, directly across from the old police station. Currently, it is an unsightly and weed-infested space with deteriorating walls that visitors often use as seating. At its centre stands a magnificent ginkgo tree, surrounded by a few struggling cordylines. In November 2023, funding was allocated by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to various Hounslow Town Centres for greening projects, with the stipulation that it be utilised within a few months. In response, Hounslow Council, in collaboration with the Flower Market, prioritised the development of proposals for Ginkgo Corner to capitalise on this funding opportunity for Chiswick.

The ginkgo tree, a focal point of the area, will be preserved and its roots protected. The project plans to extend the greenery to create a small parklet with a high-quality planting scheme. A well-designed bench, similar to those installed at Turnham Green Terrace piazza, will be integrated into the greenery, shielded from High Road traffic. Additionally, a path will be constructed to ensure accessibility for the elderly, disabled individuals, and those with buggies. To accommodate this path, one parking bay will need to be removed.

Historically, this area featured a small garden enclosed by railings, serving as a terminus for the market place. By restoring and enhancing this corner, the project aims to highlight the traditional uses of the area while repurposing it for public enjoyment. The parklet will offer seating, pollinator-friendly planting, rainwater capture, and aesthetic appeal. By 1952, as the area transitioned into a municipal car park, the flower bed was retained, but the infrastructure, including walls and benches, deteriorated over the decades. The entrance to the market place has become cluttered, with pedestrians navigating a motorcycle bay, exiting cars, and bike racks to access the pavement.

The ginkgo tree, a beautiful specimen, is currently obscured by cordylines that offer minimal environmental benefit. This proposal seeks to create an attractive entrance to the market place, providing much-needed seating and a well-planted feature garden. Regardless of whether further improvements to Old Market Place proceed, this initiative will enhance the centre of Chiswick, offering a revitalised space for the community to enjoy.