Ealing Council scoops £50,000 for Southall Manor House Grounds

Ealing Council has been awarded £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a community history project and work to improve the grounds of Southall Manor House.

The history project was developed with Groundwork London to capture the heritage and memories of the Manor House Grounds and Southall Green. 

As the scheme gets underway council officers and staff from Groundwork London will be working with local schools and community groups to collect memories and stories about the area, which will form part of an exhibition next year.

Works will also include restoration of the pool and garden. The council is investing an additional £30,000 in the scheme.

Councillor Phil Taylor, Cabinet Member for Customer and Community Services, said: “Residents are very keen to see the park improved and learn more about its history. This is an exciting project to record and preserve residents’ memories, which can be shared with generations to come. It’s a great way for us to learn about the borough’s history and I am sure we will hear about some very interesting stories.”

Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, added: "Local people will be able to enjoy the restored facilities of this park while learning more of its history and how it has been a feature of community life for almost a century.'' 

If you are interested in volunteering to help with the project email Jan Anderson on andersonja@ealing.gov.uk or call 0208 825 8934.

Work on a new children’s play area in the park is also set to begin this month. It is one of 22 new or improved play areas to be constructed under the £1.1million government funded Playbuilder programme. Ealing Council is also providing match funding for the play area, which has been designed by Groundwork London, in partnership with Ealing Council and young people from the area.