Tired Greenwich Park bandstand set for major refurbishment
By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter
A bandstand in Greenwich dating back to the 19th century is set to be renovated to prevent people being injured by rotting wood and its cracked roof.
Greenwich council has received plans to renovate the bandstand in Greenwich Park to reduce future maintenance of the structure.
The gazebo consists of eight columns and a copper clad roof. It reportedly dates back to 1891, with an opening concert from the Northumberland Fusiliers Band at the site attracting a crowd of 5,000.
Planning documents from Howat O’Farrell Architecture, on behalf of the Royal Parks, said the bandstand was used every summer by the Friends of Greenwich Park to host a series of free concerts.
The fabric in the structure was cited to have failed over the years due to water leaks and rotten wooden support features.
The plans said: “The bandstand has many issues affecting the deterioration of the fabric which, if left, will only accelerate so the asset becomes progressively unsafe and unfit for use.
“Other inspections have highlighted issues which require urgent attention to mitigate accelerating deterioration and the risk of fabric failure with attendant risks for public health and safety.”
They added: “[There is] holing due to impact damage and development of stress cracks in the copper roof sheeting, allowing water ingress and suspected rot in the roof sarking boards and ceiling sheeting.”
Gutters on the bandstand were also said in the plans to be at fault for repeatedly allowing rainwater to build and cause rotting. Silt was said to have clogged both the gutters and below ground drainage ways. The feet of railings in the structure have also become rusted and corroded.
The plans said: “The structure is of historic interest for its origins as part of Victorian efforts to establish greater public enjoyment of the outdoors and its associated public health benefits in the face of rapid urbanisation. It is an attractive and well-preserved example of a relatively common park structure.”
Pictured top: The bandstand in Greenwich Park. (Picture: Howat O’Farrell Architecture / the Royal Parks)