Introduction
Numerous projects have been undertaken, including planting thousands of trees, provision of sports facilities, greening the canal route and creation of the lake. Within the park are the former Chumleigh Gardens Almshouses, which now house a café, meeting rooms as well as a World Garden and an English Garden.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Access contact details
Opening of much of the park is unrestricted (area around lake 7.30am - sunset; Chumleigh Gardens (check opening times).
Directions
Tube/Rail: Elephant and Castle (Northern, Bakerloo) then bus. Bus: 12, 35, 40, 42, 45, 53, 63, 68, 78, 168, 172, 343, 363, 468, 453, 468
Owners
London Borough of Southwark
- History
20th Century
It was the result of initiatives such as the Abercrombie Plan of 1943 and was created by demolishing numerous houses, streets, churches and factories, and infilling the disused Grand Surrey Canal. Existing green spaces were incorporated into the new North Camberwell Open Space, which by 1965 covered some 16 hectares.
It was named Burgess Park in 1973 after Alderman Jessie Burgess, first lady Mayor of Camberwell. The fragmented open spaces were consolidated from 1982 onwards and in 1985/6 Southwark Council took over responsibility and began purchasing remaining properties and clearing the site, a process completed in 1995.
21st Century
The park has been part of the Fields in Trust historic protection programme and has been protected since August 2015 under the Queen Elizabeth II Fields protection type.
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Lime Kiln; Chumleigh Gardens Almshouses; St George's Church Wells Way; 113 Wells Way (former vicarage); Public Library/Baths and Washhouses
- Grade: II
Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Recreational/sport
Principal Building
Parks, Gardens And Urban Spaces
Survival
Extant
Hectares
46.36
Open to the public
Yes