Inventory Site Record

Southend Park dates from the 1950s, provided to serve the growing population as housing development took place in the area. The OS Map for 1952 shows the park on a smaller site to its current extent, with a paddling pool, footpaths, ponds and a pump house, and a line of trees on the western boundary. The eastern part of today's park was initially used partly for allotments but by 1971 the whole area was occupied by Southend Park, with the ponds and pump house still in place in the west and a shelter and toilets now provided. The eastern area is shown with banked sides, and a playground in the south east corner. The park today has areas of grass crossed by asphalt paths, relieved by changes in level, with remains of a concrete cascade, bridge and pond (now dry).

Site location:

Southend Lane/Meadowview Road, Lower Sydenham

Postcode:

SE6 3NH

What 3 Words:

inform.breed.nods

Type of site:

Public Park

Borough:

Lewisham

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

unrestricted

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Playground

Events:

Public transport:

Rail: Lower Sydenham

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Google Map    
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Research updated:

10/10/2024

Last minor changes:

21/03/2025

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. https://lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/openspaces/parks/southend-park

The area was open land prior to development in the 1950s, through which the River Pool meandered. Although the River Pool runs through Southend Park it is now underground. 

By 1953 housing was built east of the railway and south of Southend Lane, enclosing Southend Park, which then occupied the western part of today's public park; the eastern part was initially partly used for allotments, later incorporated into the park.  A paddling pool, footpaths, ponds and a pump house are shown on an OS Map for 1952, with a line of trees on the western boundary. By 1971 the park occupied the whole area, with the ponds and pump house still in place in the west and a shelter and toilets now provided, the eastern area shown with banked sides, and a playground in the south east corner. There are remains of a concrete cascade, bridge and pond (now dry) in the park today, which consists of areas of grass crossed by asphalt paths, relieved by changes in level.  Among the trees are willow and lime of early C20th date, with more recent flowering cherries, shrubs and modest bedding displays.

Sources consulted:

Grid ref:

TQ370715 (537050,171550)

Size in hectares:

2.73

Site ownership:

LB Lewisham

Site management:

Greenscene Department, Glendale Grounds Management

Date(s):

1950s

Designer(s):

Listed structures:

None

On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No

Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No

Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

No

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

No

In Conservation Area:

No

Tree Preservation Order:

No

Nature Conservation Area:

No

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

No

Other LA designation:

Public Open Space