Normand Park
Directions
On leaving West Brompton station, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing on the bridge over the railway and turn left. The first site is about 10 minutes' walk away. Alternatively bus 74 or 190, from the station side of the road, can be taken to the first site. Get off at the stop opposite Normand Park, next to two tall Y-shaped blocks of flats, part of the Clem Attlee Estate (1955).
If you choose to walk, look out for Earls Court Exhibition Centre (due for redevelopment) - the old part dates from 1936 and the new part from 1991. Also look out for the Empress State office block of 1962, one of the earliest tall office blocks in London.
If you are walking, you will pass a small garden at West Kensington Estate, which can be entered by a gate at the furthest point from the road. It is an example of the small community gardens that have been laid out on many estates in the borough in recent years.
Cross North End Road by the zebra crossing, passing a pair of mini roundabouts, and continue along Lillie Road until you come to Normand Park. Ignore the path that goes past the bowling green and enter by the gate with the park sign.
Description
The park is named after Normand House, built in 1649, one of many villas in the area. It served as an asylum for people with mental illness, a school and a convent. The house was demolished after being bombed in WW2. The high wall at the back of the park, along Normand Road, is what remains of the old villa garden wall. The park was laid out by the London County Council in 1952, providing valuable open space in an area of dense housing. A regeneration scheme, including new landscaping by Kinnear Landscape Architects, was completed in 2008. There is a leisure centre with café and accessible toilets.
Further information on LGT Inventory