Construction of a new open space at Lots Road in Kensington and Chelsea is set to begin in February 2026, with the park expected to open in early summer of the same year.
The Kensington and Chelsea Leadership Team discussed the project at a meeting on 15 October 2025, where they reviewed plans for the site, which will include sports facilities, play areas, dedicated event spaces, and seating areas.
The initiative aims to boost resident wellbeing by providing more opportunities for recreation and relaxation. It is also designed to promote biodiversity, improve air quality, and reduce urban heat in the vicinity.
According to the Leadership Team meeting documents, residents selected the final design through consultations and workshops.
At the meeting, Cllr Emma Will, Lead Member for Property, Parks & Leisure Services, presented a report on the project. Officers confirmed that construction is set to begin in February 2026, with the park opening planned for early summer that year.
Ms Samia Badani, a resident, raised questions about the social value of the project and the possibility of renegotiating the 6% allocation to generate measurable monetary benefits for the community. Cllr Will responded that the Council is legally obligated to ensure that social value initiatives deliver tangible benefits to the local area, foster connections between King's Road and the river, and encourage residents to make use of the park's high-quality spaces.
Officers have been tasked with reviewing alternative approaches and will provide a direct response in due course.
The Leadership Team also approved a further contingency amount for the works, identified in exempt from publication (Part B) Appendix 1, to address potential delays or cost overruns during the 4-month construction period.
Cllr. Mary Weale, Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, said the project would make effective use of open spaces and will benefit the community.
The Leadership Team acknowledged that establishing the new open space is anticipated to generate economic advantages by attracting individuals to the local area, thereby supporting local businesses.
The Leadership Team approved the Procurement Strategy for construction of a new meanwhile open space at Lots Road, for an estimated total value of £1,250,000 exclusive of VAT for a contract expected to last 4 months and to commence on 1 February 2026.
