Kingston's newly transformed Memorial Gardens were officially reopened by the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Thay Thayalan, and Jan Feist from the Royal British Legion Malden, Coombe on Saturday, 4 July.

The occasion was marked with a community picnic to celebrate the major renewal of the town centre public space "to improve connectivity, safety, and inclusivity", according to the council.

Kingston Council said: "The regeneration ensures it is a welcoming space for all residents and visitors while respecting it as a garden of memory."

The newly refurbished gardens have enhanced planting and seating, with careful conservation given to heritage features within the space and a new through-route created to ease movement between the different cafes, shops and businesses in the area.

The character of the gardens - as a place for remembrance, reflection, and memoriam - has been enhanced, whilst creating a more inclusive, accessible and safe green space for town centre visitors.

The works were undertaken thanks to a partnership between The Royal Borough of Kingston and Kingston First, the business improvement district, after engagement with local people and organisations in 2023 to shape the makeover.

It is the latest chapter in the history of the site: A burial ground of All Saint's Church in the first half 19th century, the gardens were laid out for the public in 1923.

As well as the town's war memorial which honours men lost in the World Wars, Memorial Gardens includes the grave of local war hero Lieutenant Josiah Clues, the Anne Frank Memorial tree and Holocaust Memorial Tree.

Picnic guests were able to learn more of the Gardens' history during tours run during the afternoon by Kingston Tour Guide and local history author Julian McCarthy.

Cllr Andrew Wooldridge, Kingston Council's portfolio holder for leisure, economic development and planning policy said: "Memorial Gardens is the focal point of our remembrance commemorations to honuor the sacrifice and courage of those who have served and continue to serve.

"It was a privilege to welcome Jan Feist, a long serving Royal British Legion volunteer dedicated to our veterans, service personnel and forces families and mark this reopening alongside the Mayor of Kingston.

"The new superb refurbishment at Memorial Gardens is delightful with its careful restoration of historic monuments and incorporation of nature into the urban setting.

"The whole community will benefit from a welcoming space that invites reflection and relaxation and offers improved routes around our town centre's shops, cafes and other amenities."

The landscaping work was completed by Blakedown Landscapes. According to the council, "honouring all the monuments and creating a peaceful environment for reflection was a priority for the project".

The redesign has increased the biodiversity of the gardens, in turn creating habitats and food sources for wildlife.

Local people are encouraged to stay involved in the long term stewardship of the gardens through the creation of a Friends of Memorial Gardens group, who will be supported to help the gardens flourish. Those interested should email [email protected].

The reopening follows a celebration last week of the transformation at Eagle Brewery Wharf on the Kingston Riverside, involving many of the same partners and enhancing spaces for the enjoyment of the public.

We want to provide Kingston with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.