We are a voluntary non-profit group of concerned local people working, in partnership with the London Borough of Bromley, the parks contractor (idVerde) and others, to influence local decision makers in a positive manner.
The objective of our organisation is to secure the preservation and enhancement of the parks and gardens adjacent to the centre of Bromley and which are environmentally contributory to the Town Centre Conservation Area; namely Library Gardens, Church House Gardens, Martins Hill, Queens Mead, Queens Garden, College Green, and Bromley Palace Park (aka Civic Centre grounds). In addition the Friends are interested in areas adjacent, in particular the wooded slopes and verges of Beckenham Lane, the Valley School Field and Grounds, The ‘Bromley Oak’ and landscaped verges of Kentish Way, plus the Glassmill Pond (off Glassmill Lane). The extent of Bromley’s green centre is shown in green in the map below.
‘We know that good parks are vital for our health and wellbeing, they support economic growth and tourism, and they play a significant part in addressing climate change in our cities.“
HLF report ‘State of UK Public Parks 2014’
Parks are not currently a statutory requirement for local councils and therefore at risk. As a member you can make a difference to the future of our public green spaces. This can be either in a more active role (e.g. working parties), or just as a supporter of our aims.
If you live locally please support us by becoming a member and help make a difference. To find out more please go to ‘Become a Member’ page.
Our group is one of a large number of similar Friends groups committed to other public parks and green spaces in the London Borough of Bromley. For more information look at the Friends Forum website.
The Friends of Bromley Town Parks & Gardens is a privacy conscious organisation and takes your privacy seriously. Click on to read our Privacy Policy.
This page has the following sub pages.
Friends of Bromley Town Parks & Gardens 
Good morning.
Could you indicate the history of the Church House to which C.H. Gardens refers ?
Regards
LikeLike
Originally part of the Bromley Palace property, and possibly site of a manor house, Church House Gardens was constructed by an Abel Moysey, presumably named so as on church land (Bromley Palace) and next to the parish church, who leased the land from the Bishop of Rochester’s agent in 1832. He was responsible for landscaping the grounds; creating lawns, shrubberies, and fishponds. The carriage drive created can still be seen today off the entrance on Church Road. Originally the turning circle for horse drawn carriages, it has become one of Bromley’s award winning flowerbeds. In 1926, Church House and its grounds were purchased by Bromley Council who paid £7,000 for an estate of over 11 acres including the house and three cottages. It was opened to the public by the Mayor, Councillor B.A. Granville; a very grand affair with the Bickley Band entertaining visitors in the afternoon followed by a spectacular Bromley Silver Band concert to conclude the fanfare in the evening. Along with the Parish Church, except the tower, the house was destroyed in an air raid in April 1941. Only a later copy of the balustrade and the garden remain. I hope that this helps.
LikeLike
Hello
I’d be interested in volunteering. My local parks are Church House Gardens and Queensmead.
LikeLike
Thanks. I will email you with further information.
LikeLike
Hi I recently spoke to Kari by Glassmill pond. I would be interested in volunteering, my local park is Queen’s mead.
Thanks, Julia
LikeLike
Thanks for your enquiry. Have sent details via email.
LikeLike
You have delivered a circular about the public Palace park in the Civic Centre grounds implying that it can only be accessed from Rochester Avenue. In fact there is a public right of way from the entrance in Rafford Way which takes you straight into the grassy area in front of the Palace.
LikeLike
You are correct, there is an very useful entrance in Rafford Way. With the sale of the ‘Y” buildings, the continuation of this public access is uncertain as it will cross private land, both during any construction work on these buildings and afterwards, is uncertain. We do not think it is a ‘right of way’, but if you know better please let us know. Months ago an unsatisfactory diversion of public access was suggested. & then dropped. We continue to campaign for free easy public access to this park through multiple routes, even after the council sell off the rest of the Civic Centre grounds and move staff off site.
LikeLike
I’m very interested in the preservation of Bromley Palace Park (my local Park). I’m concerned we might lose it as the Civic Centre is moving. I live in Murray Avenue. (The entrance in Rafford Way is often closed)
LikeLike
We are also concerned about the future of this park, with the proposed sell off of most of the Civic Centre site. The park, as currently as an Urban Open Space, etc is apparently safe. But we are working hard to ensure upkeep and multiple public access to the park is maintained. This includes that from Rafford Way, which is threatened by Y building sell off and development. On the latter council planners recently rejected proposals to put an additional floor on them. We will update situation on our campaign page. You can help strengthen our cause by becoming a member. Please email membership@bromleytownparks.org.uk to find out how.
LikeLike