W6 CITYSCAPE

SMALLER PROJECTS: summaries

In addition to our two large projects (Hammersmith Avenue and Hammersmith Place) we are developing and promoting smaller projects, described here.

PROJECTS COMPLETED OR UNDER WAY

BECKETT WHARF PARK

Becket Warf Park is a beautifully situated micro-park just downstream of Hammersmith Bridge. Our first project, undertaken in 2023, was the restoration of the park to good condition, with the railings repaired and re-painted, masonry cleaned, and the woodwork of the benches repaired. This was very kindly funded as a community contribution by Kier Construction who were undertaking the nearby Manbre Wharf development. The website of Beckett Wharf Park is here: www.wharfpark.com. It includes a guided walk upstream to the Elder Press Café, an album of photos of the riverside, and a collection of links to nostalgic videos of the Thames riverside. 

CROCUS PLANTING

Just as countries have national flowers, we think a postcode should have its flower. We propose that the Ruby Giant Crocus should be the W6 postode flower, and that it should be planted widely within the postcode. Ruby Giant produces deep purple flowers in February and March and narrow, mid-green leaves. This early spring-flowering crocus is one of the best for naturalising in grass. We have donated 2,000 crocus bulbs each to St. Paul’s Church, Ravenscourt Park, and Furnivall Gardens. The Borough are kindly organising the planting of the latter two, with the help of volunteers.

TALKING BENCHES

We are planning, subject to the approval of the Hammermsith & Fulham Parks Department, to designate some benches around the W6 postcode as conversational Talking Benches. These foster community and combat loneliness. The first talking bench has been installed in Becketts Wharf Park.

POSSIBLE FUTURE PROJECTS

BUFF CROSSINGS

We propose that buff non-slip surfaces should be applied to the heavily-used pedestrian crossings between the Hammersmith Broadway underground stations. The three pedestrian crossings are at present very confusing to navigate. This buff non-slip treatment, which is widely used in the neighbouring borough of Westminster, would improve pedestrian navigation and safety - particularly for the elderly.

FURNIVALL HEDGE

We are exploring the possibility of planting a tall dense hedge along the north side of Furnivall Gardens. The main purpose would be to overcome the present visual intrusion into the park of traffic on the A4. The hedge would also slightly reduce the traffic noise. This project is linked with our major proposal for the reduction of the speed limit on the A4 from 40 mph to 30 mph, which would produce a substantial reduction in traffic noise.

ILLUMINATION OF NOTABLE BUILDINGS

We propose the illumination of important buildings in W6. Modern LED systems enable selective illumination to be provided at modest capital and running cost. This type of illumination would be particularly appropriate to the Swan public house, which has richly decorative Edwardian facade, and occupies a prominent corner site at Hammersmith Broadway.

RAILWAY STATION SOUNDSCAPE

We propose a  soundscape created by a sound artist drawing on the sounds that would have been heard in the original Hammersmith underground station when it opened in 1868. The recording to be played in the station weekly. The station, one of the first underground stations in London, now serves the Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines. There would have been a rich cacophony of steam engine noises, the neighing and clattering hooves of horses, passenger chatter, and shouted announcements.

REMOVAL OF TWO ADVERTISING SIGNS

The setting of the Grade II listed St. Paul’s Church at Hammersmith Broadway was devastated in the 1950s by the adjacent construction of the Hammersmith Flyover. Insult was added to injury by the recent addition of two massive digital advertising signs in St. Paul’s Green, less than 200 feet from the church. We think this is an entirely inappropriate location for any outdoor advertising, and argue that the digital signs should be removed at the earliest opportunity.

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