Since our last update, there’s been real movement on the Friendly Gardens project — new funding has been confirmed, scope has been locked in with the council, and the first piece of on-the-ground work is about to begin. Here’s everything that’s changed.

Funding confirmed, scope locked in

The council met with the project team on 4th September 2026 to confirm the scope of works, now that the additional Thames Water funding has been verified. This unlocks several items that had previously been sitting on the “hoped-for” list.

The Veolia funding is still coming, but a delay due to key people being on annual leave.  This means we’re now planning on those works completing by the end of the year at the latest, rather than sooner.

What’s happening next: paddling pool survey

The first concrete action is a topographical assessment of the old paddling pool, taking place over the next two weeks. This survey will feed directly into the highways team, who are leading the design and delivery of the new rain garden on that site, so it’s an important first step in getting that part of the park moving.

A huge amount of the original vision is being delivered

It’s worth pausing to recognise this: between the confirmed funding and the scope agreed today, the project is on track to deliver almost all of the original scope identified through the early community consultations run by Alex and Christine. Given how ambitious that original wish-list was, that’s a genuinely great outcome for the park and everyone who uses it.

Where the work is happening

The map below shows the four phase areas referenced in the project scope.

Scope by phase

Below is the current scope, phase by phase. Most items are confirmed and funded. A small number are still being discussed and aren’t part of the current funded scope, and one item is dependent on future funding being secured.

Round two of the mural competition

One item worth flagging: Phase 3 includes a new mural competition, this time for the rear wall in the area currently occupied by the table tennis table. The council will prepare and render the wall, giving the community a blank canvas to work with. More details will follow soon for anyone interested in getting involved.

What’s next

Look out for the results of the paddling pool topographical survey over the coming month, and further updates as the Veolia-funded works progress toward their end-of-year target. We’ll keep this page updated as each phase moves forward.