Ginkgo Corner

The Site
This section of public realm alongside Chiswick High Road was once common open space, ending with the entrance to a large property, Linden House. By the end of the 19th century the house had been demolished and terraced housing built on the land, leaving a truncated area with shops set back from the main street. Various layouts with pockets of planting existed until the 1950s when car parking took over the space. At the western end a small fenced green space was retained which eventually morphed into a raised brick planter with a single Ginkgo tree.

Design Services
Since 2020 a range of markets have made good use of the parking area on Sundays. The increased footfall drew attention to the low quality and condition of the public realm, so LGLA Projects was invited to work with the local community to develop concept proposals for improvement.

Results
The first phase has been to transform a small unused space around the existing Ginkgo tree. The design had to overcome numerous challenges but the outcome successfully achieved the aims and provides a much enhanced green space with high quality seating in the public realm.

Client: London Borough of Hounslow
Project Initiation: Chiswick Flower Market
Main Contractor: Hounslow Highways / Gavigan