Dukes Meadows - Emanuel Hollow Improvements
We are currently embarking on an ambitious programme of improvement works at Dukes Meadows and have recently secured funding to restore and uplift the area of Dukes Meadows known at Emanuel Hollow, next to the new footbridge.
Improvement works include:
- Restoration of Promenade Approach and the Pump House area, in collaboration with Dukes Meadows Trust. (Complete)
- Repairs to the playground and surrounding areas (Complete)
- Safety improvements to Riverside Drive (Complete)
- Restoration and uplift works at Emanuel Hollow (In design phase)
What has happened so far:
2026
Following consultation and preparatory work, we have now finalised plans for the upgrade works at Emanuel Hollow, and construction is due to begin soon.
Concept art – birds-eye view of initial design.
The following key principles were identified through our consultation:
- Safety as a Primary Concern
You said: The overwhelming majority of respondents identified safety as the most pressing issue. The site is currently perceived as unsafe due to poor visibility, lack of lighting and oversight.
We did: We have sought to open up the site by removing redundant fencing, low-level sightline obstructions, and low-value shrubbery which blocked light from entering the site. The new design, once implemented, will improve sightlines across the area, and improve the ‘feel’ of the site by way of placemaking interventions such as the new Barnes Bridge girder sculpture and improved biodiverse planting.
- Access and Usability
You said: Many users flagged limited accessibility both into and through the site, due to poor paving conditions, enclosed pedestrian routes, excessive puddling and mud accumulation in sunken areas.
We did: We have worked closely with landscape architects and engineers to model pedestrian routes, levels and drainage patterns across the site. The new design presents a long-term solution to drainage issues and puddling, while also incorporating a clear and safe pedestrian path to the rear of Emanuel Boathouse. The DDA-compliant route from the new footbridge is being preserved, while new graded gravel paths will allow access to the heart of the site, past the planting and towards your destination.
- Desire for Natural Character
You said: Respondents expressed a strong preference for the site to retain a natural, green character, rather than becoming overly formalised or urban in feel. Biodiversity, planting, and a sense of woodland were frequently mentioned as desirable qualities.
We did: We have preserved over half the site as an untouched natural area, and plan to install biodiverse planting in the main body of the site. We are also exploring adding a layer of light gravel over the mound to the north of the site, which will, in turn, promote wildflower growth and attract pollinators to the area.
Concept Sketch
Other key design features:
- Three metal girders were preserved from recent works on Barnes Bridge, and will be installed as an attractive sculptural element in the centre of the walking area, connecting the site to the Bridge as a key part of its history.
- Bollards are to be installed at the entrance to prevent ingress and fly tipping.
- Removal of low-quality shrubs has already significantly improved the diffusion of lighting across the site, and the removal of redundant infrastructure (old fences and noticeboards) has opened the sightlines up to improve safety for pedestrians and vehicles. These shrubs will be replaced with planting to improve biodiversity and encourage pollinators, per advice from our arboricultural team and a local ecologist.
- Road infrastructure improvements will continue to improve safety at the two major corners in this part of the site.
Concept art – view from arrival zone
We are currently working with contractors to draw up a construction timeline, with an aspiration to complete construction by the end of Summer 2026. A full timeline will be shared once this has been established.
Thank you all so much for your contributions to this plan and your patience as these works have been developed. We could not have reached this point without the support of local residents, councillors, and community groups. If you have any thoughts or queries about our next steps, please do feel free to contact martin.falder@hounslow.gov.uk directly.
2025
- December - Safety improvements on Riverside Drive complete
- November- Safety improvements on Riverside Drive started on the 3rd
- July to October- Network Rail on site to complete some preliminary landscape works and earth works on ramp into Emanuel Hollow in order to help prepare the site for our final design.
- January to October - A design for this site being drawn up based on feedback from the public and the operational needs of the site.
We are working closely with local partners, including the Dukes Meadows Trust, to ensure the final design meets all requirements, improving both the look & feel of the site and the safety of the adjacent roads.
2024
- An in person consultation took place at Emanuel Hollow on 11 September 2024. Approximately 25 members of the community attended and shared their views on the future of the site.
- A survey took place from 28 October 2024 until 19 December 2024. A report of findings was generated and uploaded under 'EH survey report'.
We anticipate completing this project by summer/autumn 2026.
