Major restoration of Chiswick House gardens going ahead

English Heritage has welcomed a £7.6 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which will enable an £11.7 million restoration scheme for Chiswick House gardens to go ahead.

The scheme, intended to return the gardens to a more historically authentic condition, has caused great controversy among local people, on the grounds that it will remove familiar features and affect much valued facilities within the gardens.

Work will begin at the site in spring 2008 on the project that will see the gardens restored, with miles of paths renewed, over 1600 new trees planted, the conservatory brought back to life so that the rare camellia collection can continue to thrive and a new cafe, and lavatories built.

Commenting on the successful bid, Chairman of the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust, Rupert Hambro said:
"My trustees and I are thrilled and extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the award. This, added to Hounslow Council's unanimous planning consent, means that the HLF's generosity gives a huge boost to our fundraising campaign. We now just need to make one final push to raise the 31m to complete the funding for the project.

"People already come from near and far to enjoy Chiswick House and Gardens' atmosphere and it is the history of the place that makes it so special. It is one of the most important landscapes in the world for its influence on garden design, in particular the English Landscape Movement. Chiswick House is also one of the most glorious examples of neo-Palladian architecture, so it is highly appropriate that during Palladio's 500th anniversary that the setting for this stunning house should be restored.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the generous donors and the very many people who have provided invaluable feedback on the proposals, all of which has contributed to a spectacular restoration plan."

Carol Souter, Director of the Heritage Lottery Fund said: "Chiswick House and Gardens is a hugely popular landmark which people rightly feel passionate about. The Heritage Lottery Fund's investment will help secure the future of this beautiful green space giving many more visitors and volunteers the opportunity to enjoy it."

Details of the restoration project can be found at: www.chgt.org.uk.