Brief history of Guy Street Park

In the eighteenth century, the land on which most of Guy Street Park stands was still open fields and tenter grounds. It was bought by the Trustees of Guy's Hospital and used as a burial ground for many years until it was closed by official order in the middle of the nineteenth century. No longer wanted for its original purpose, it was leased to a builder for his business.

The Bermondsey Vestry had for some time been attempting to obtain a site on which to build a public recreation ground for its overcrowded parishioners. With the help of the London County Council and funding from various organisations, the land was obtained. Nelson Recreation Ground, as it was called, was opened on March 30th 1899 with a ceremony attended by local dignitaries. The park continued in use for many years. It was damaged in the Second World War but refurbished and kept in order.

However, by the end of the twentieth century, it became run-down and in need of complete renovation. Local people, the Pool of London Partnership and Southwark Council, have combined to create a new phase in its history. For more information on local history contact Jenny Howells e-mail; howellsjc@aol.com

The Redevelopment of Guy Street Park

In recent years Guy Street Park had fallen into a semi derelict state. Although it was still well used by local people there were growing concerns for community safety from the lack of lighting and increasing drug dealing and drug use in the park. In winter 2000 one of the local tenant groups Crosby, Lockyer and Hamilton lobbied the Southwark Council to do something about the park. In Spring 2001 Southwark Council consulted the community on what they would like to see in the park. The community wanted the following things.

The park should contain;

• Community garden - a place for relaxation and community gardening

• Multi court - marked up for football and basketball and some where for young people and adults to play sport

• Children's play area - fun and colourful

• Grassed space - informal play and relaxing

Things to improve in the park;

• Main access path

• Lighting

• The boundary between the park and car park

• Remove the derelict shelter

The park has been closed for a year for the redevelopment and will reopen in April 2003.

Friends of Guy Street Park (FOGSP)

The Friends of Guy Street Park was set up by concerned local residents. Funding for the improvements is provided by Southwark Council, the Pool of London Partnership,the Arts Council England and Cross River Partnership. Together with FOGSP they organised a series of consultations, held locally. All who attended were able to give their views on the proposed works for the park and decide what they would like to see there. When the works are completed, the park facilities will include a multi-court; young children's play area, the Lightbox project and a community garden.