Hounslow Council announces the completion of major improvement works at Emanuel Hollow, Dukes Meadows marking a significant milestone in transforming one of the borough’s valued riverside green space.
Following extensive community consultation in 2024, Emanuel Hollow has been carefully redesigned to reflect local priorities. The revitalised space now features new planting beds, improved pathways, and the removal of restrictive fencing along the western edge. This has resulted in improved accessibility and helped to create a safer and more welcoming environment.
Strong community collaboration is at the core of the transformation, with local architect Tibor Babic designing the space. The project was led by Lampton Greenspace in partnership with Hounslow Council, who managed the construction work.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Public Realm at Hounslow Council, said “The work at Emanuel Hollow has been a real team effort. It’s impossible to understate the importance of community contributions, with residents’ views playing a central role in creating a space that reflects local needs and better serves the community while respecting its ecological value.
“I want to give a big shout out to Dukes Meadows Trust for their invaluable input throughout the consultation and design stages, as well as Abundance London for coming up with a planting plan, working with local ecologist Mick Massie, and Great British Rail, who donated the girders and the local sports clubs and boathouses for their patience and cooperation during construction.
“With improved access, a renewed landscape, and a striking new landmark rooted in local history, the site now stands as a welcoming gateway to the borough, linking people, place and heritage.”
At the heart of the works is the Emanuel Hollow Girder Sculpture, a distinctive new piece of public art installed within a landscaped planting bed. The sculpture is formed from three historic steel girders, each weighing five tonnes and measuring five metres in length. These were removed from Barnes Bridge during GBR South Western works to strengthen the bridge in 2025 and generously donated for reuse.
Originally part of the bridge reconstruction led by Edward Andrews in 1895, the girders supported the structure for more than a century. Now they serve as both a visual focal point and a symbolic link between past and present, reflecting the area’s rich heritage, while supporting new growth and activity in the area.
Local architect and lead designer for the project, Tibor Babic, said “I was introduced to the project through the strong partnership between Dukes Meadows Trust, the Council and Lampton and together we’ve created something modest but meaningful that reflects the community’s voice.
“I’m proud of how this once-neglected space has been thoughtfully reimagined as a low-impact, community-led garden. I hope that as the wildflowers establish and local groups continue to get involved, it will grow into a valued space that supports both nature and community life for years to come.”
While the primary construction works are now complete, the evolution of Emanuel Hollow will continue. The council is working with Abundance London, local volunteers, and an ecologist to deliver future planting days aimed at enhancing biodiversity and re-greening the site in a sustainable way.
