London’s Getting A New Park!

London is awash with green spaces, the capital is one of the most luscious on earth, you can’t Hyde from it, they’re just really Wimbledon Common. Well into this crowded field (geddit) they’re adding a brand new one. In Tooting.

Tooting has really come up in the world of late. Once the home of fictional communist Wolfie Smith and seen as Balham’s down-at-heel poorer cousin, Tooting’s seen its fortunes change with a rejuvenated market, buzzing restaurant scene and something to really toot about. Green space has never been much of an issue either, Tooting’s already got the sprawling Tooting Bec Common on its doorstep. But who would turn down another picnic spot or somewhere else to play a game of football?

The new park will cover a massive 32 acres and includes two children’s playground, 400 new trees, a pavilion and cafe as well as public fitness equipment. Alongside general parky stuff, like a beautiful rose garden, a large space will be available for use as cricket and football pitches.

The site is part of the old Springfield Hospital grounds, which is undergoing a £150m redevelopment. Much of the hospital itself is being converted into housing, including the 19th century crenellated mansion, creating 839 new homes, as well as shop and office space and land set aside for a new primary school.

London’s first park since the Olympics, Springfield Park as it’s currently dubbed, should be ready within a couple of years.