Row Blows Up Over Sudden Appearance of Chiswick Mall Parklet
Residents say much needed parking space lost without notice
The council said it had to relocate the structure at short notice. Picture: David Humphreys
November 4, 2025
A recently installed parklet on Chiswick Mall has prompted frustration among local residents after two residential parking bays were removed without prior consultation. The structure, positioned at one of the narrowest points of the riverside road, appeared suddenly outside 1a Eyot Gardens, adjacent to Mari Deli, leading to complaints about access, safety, and lack of engagement.
In correspondence with Dr Sue Thompson, Hammersmith and Fulham Council acknowledged that the parklet had been relocated from another part of the borough at short notice. According to the council’s Highways Licensing team, the original site was no longer viable and a new location had to be found quickly to avoid dismantling the structure entirely. As a result, the council admitted it was unable to carry out pre-engagement with residents or stakeholders before installation.
The council has not confirmed where the parklet was originally intended to be place but it has ongoing projects to install these structures on Wandsworth Bridge Road and Hammersmith Grove. The former location has produced a negative response from a section of the local community.
The parklet, which spans approximately 10 metres and occupies two parking bays, is part of a borough-wide trial to introduce community seating areas near cafés and restaurants. The council stated that the aim is to enhance the public realm by providing outdoor space for dining and socialising. However, the structure’s placement on a narrow stretch of Chiswick Mall has raised concerns about emergency access and the impact on local parking availability.
In its response, the council confirmed that it would be consulting with emergency services, including the fire brigade, to assess any risks posed by the installation. It also clarified that a new licence would be required for the café to use the space commercially, and that no tables or chairs should be placed in the parklet until the application process is complete. Although benches were included in the structure, the council said they were being used informally by passers-by and customers, and has since instructed the café to remove them pending the outcome of the licence application.
The council has indicated that the parklet will remain in place for a trial period.
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