April 2009 newsletter
30th April 2009
I was recently attending an event in the constituency of Welwyn Hatfield and the guests were keen to make the case for the most sought after area in their patch. In order to avoid too much upset and division even before I had delivered my speech, I asked them where they would most like to live in Enfield Southgate. Unity and harmony quickly broke out as Winchmore Hill came top of the list. If I was speaking this article in Parliament I would now have to declare an interest having lived with my family in Winchmore Hill for 10 years – although if constituents from outside N21 are reading I hasten to add that previously I grew up in lovely Cockfosters and now live in wonderful Southgate!
Whether you live in N21 or outside or are passing through, one of the best things in our area are our parks. It is excellent that Grovelands Park now has a wooden adventure play area. It says it is for the 8-13s which covers 4 of my children but the remaining 2 have also enjoyed hanging off the ropes or getting in the way of their older brothers and sisters! The best news though concerns another park – Broomfield Park. The Council is putting in £1million of improvements to areas like the gardens, gates, toilets and band stand. What is really exciting is the approval that Mayor of London Boris Johnson has given for a £5.9 million restoration of Broomfield House and the stable-block. My children and many adults in N21 will only know of the House by its burn out shell following the fire in 1985. These will be some of the features to look out for:
1. An original cross wing of 1550, large elements of which survive with painted lintel, floor and framing structures.
2. A 1570 extension to the south – including a Tudor chimneystack – large elements of which survive.
3. A 1624 northern wing, parts of which survive.
4. 1726 Neoclassical remodelling including installation of the Baroque staircase, Lanscroon murals – the gem of the house – and Neoclassical panelling to ground and first floor rooms, all of which survives in part.
The vision is to restore Broomfield House and the stable-block, providing sheltered accommodation, public access, community rooms and a café. Following detailed plans being submitted and approved, restoration should start next year. 25 years after the fire we will see the welcome return of one of the most significant landmarks in our area within the Grade II listed Park and complementing one of only 3 Baroque water-gardens in the UK (the others are Chatsworth and Powys Castle).
The only problem with a restored Broomfield House and Park is that N13 will be challenging N21 for the title of best area!
David Burrowes MP for Enfield Southgate
www.davidburrowes.com
020 8360 0234
