Plaque Unveiled to Mark Restoration of Promenade Approach
Culmination of eight-year project led by Dukes Meadows Trust
Andy Slaughter MP, Cllr Salman Shaheen and his son Alexander, Trust Director Kathleen Healy and volunteers
April 22, 2026
Volunteers, councillors and local MP Andy Slaughter gathered on Sunday to unveil a plaque marking the completion of the long‑running restoration of Promenade Approach, the historic entrance into Dukes Meadows. The project, led by Dukes Meadows Trust, has taken eight years and brings to a close one of the Trust’s most ambitious pieces of heritage work.
The restoration began in 2018, when the Trust commissioned a condition survey of the original iron entrance gates. Since then, the project has expanded to include the renovation of the Pump House, replacing its leaking felt roof with clay tiles to match the building’s original design. Volunteers have also planted and now maintain the beds surrounding the structure.
Alongside the physical restoration, the Trust worked with Cavendish School on educational activities led by archaeologist Sarah Dhanjal, helping children explore the history of London’s parks and the social needs that shaped them. The sessions highlighted how access to nature, fresh air and exercise remain as important today as when Dukes Meadows was first created.
The project faced setbacks, including unsuccessful grant applications, but was ultimately completed through a combination of persistence and funding from multiple sources. The Trust contributed £52,000, while Heritage of London awarded £9,000 towards the gates. Hounslow Council, which owns the road, provided the largest contribution at £217,000.
The restored Approach Road, gates and Pump House now complement the playgrounds previously built by the Trust and complete the regeneration of the park’s northern side. The refurbished Pump House and turning circle also create a more attractive link between the Thames Path and the park.
Speaking at the unveiling, Andy Slaughter praised the volunteers and supporters whose work made the project possible. He said the restoration was “a tribute to eight years of tireless work by the Dukes Meadows Trust,” adding that the park’s facilities — from the market to the play area and splash pool — show “what community action can achieve.”
Andy Slaughter MP and Alexander Shaheen unveiling the plaque
Cllr Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Parks, also welcomed the completion of the project and thanked the Trust for its “passion” and “countless hours” of volunteer work. He noted that his young son enjoyed the playground, splash pool and market after the ceremony, saying, “These things are all here because of Dukes Meadows Trust.”
To complete the restoration, volunteers planted 4,000 daffodils along Promenade Approach, as well as hundreds of plants and bulbs around the Pump House.
Dukes Meadows Trust continues to run volunteer sessions every Friday from 11am to 1pm and is encouraging new supporters to get involved.
The project to restore the Approach, the original grand entrance into the park, took eight years to achieve. Work started with Dukes Meadows Trust commissioning a condition survey of the iron entrance gates back in 2018. It was completed with the renovation of the Pump House and replacement of the leaking felt roof, with clay tiles, as it would originally have had. Volunteers planted up and now maintain the bed around the Pump House.
Work to achieve the project included activities with Cavendish School, led by archaeologist Sarah Dhanjal. Children explored the history of the creation of parks as London expanded. They learned why they were built and discovered that the same needs exist today; access to nature and the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and exercise.
The plans were consulted on and many grant applications made. There were setbacks and hurdles to overcome, applications were declined, but with perseverance and a fifty-two thousand-pound contribution from the Trust, the restoration is complete. Heritage of London kindly awarded £9,000 towards the gates and Hounslow Council, which owns the road awarded £217,000. The Trust is grateful to both organisations.
The restoration of the Approach Road, gates, and Pump House, complements the playgrounds previously built by the Trust and completes the regeneration of north side of the park. The restored Pump House and turning circle provides an attractive junction from the Thames Path into the park.
Andy Slaughter congratulated the Trust; “The unveiling of the plaque marking the restoration of Promenade Approach is a tribute to eight years of tireless work by the Dukes Meadows Trust. The labour of the volunteers, the fundraising and the contribution from Hounslow Council and other donors shows what community action can achieve. We are lucky to have an open space like Dukes Meadows but luckier still that so many local people wanted to restore and improve it. From the market to the play area and pool to the river walk, Dukes Meadows offers something to all ages. I was delighted to join the volunteers to celebrate their work and thank everyone who has made a contribution.”
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Parks said “It’s wonderful to see the restoration of Promenade Approach finally complete, and I’m pleased that Hounslow Council has been able to support and help fund this vital project. I want to thank Dukes Meadows Trust and all their volunteers for their passion, their dedication and the countless hours they have worked to bring this project and this beautiful green space to life.
“After unveiling the plaque, my son Alexander loved playing in the playground and the splash pool and buying a plant from the market. These things are all here because of Dukes Meadows Trust. They are a credit to our borough.”
To complete the restoration the Trust’s volunteers planted 4,000 daffodils along Promenade Approach as well as hundreds of plants and bulbs around the Pump House.
The Trust has volunteer sessions every Friday 11am to 1pm and welcomes new volunteers and supporters.
To volunteer or join the Trust’s mailing list click here.
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