Back in Winter of 2012 we were offered the opportunity to decide how to spend £10,000 of our local councillors budget. We thought it would be great if we could spend this on one of our top priorities for the park, as decided by you, through our 2012 Questionnaire. Having a toilet was one of the top two priorities (along with regenerating the Tennis Courts), but we knew that the Council wouldn't put in a toilet unless the maintenance was going to be taken care of. So the project of a Café with public toilet was born. It's taken some time, but here is the history of the project, from clearing the ivy to the opening day. For more pictures please check out the Gallery.
STAGE 6 - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
On Monday 19th January 2015 Parkview Café started trading. Serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, lunches and homemade cakes, it has already become a focal point for the community. We wish Syd every success with his venture!
STAGE 5 - LAUNCH PARTY
Finally we can celebrate the hard work of Syd, the Council and local people in getting our much needed Toilet and Café open. The launch was attended by well over 100 people who enjoyed free food and drink and entertainment from Beat Builders and West Harrow Choir. Mayor Ajay Maru and Hon. Alderman Keith Toms both spoke before the ribbon was cut.
And this summer (2019) the new extension was finally added meaning indoor seating available for all. It also increased the kitchen size, which enabled Syd to start selling his delicious pizzas.
STAGE 3 - BUILDING PUT UP FOR TENDER
In March 2014 the building is put up for tender. After a couple of months the applicants are whittled down to one. After another few months of negotiations building work finally starts.
STAGE 2 - NEW ROOF FOR TOILET BLOCK
Thanks to the generosity of our local councillors, the roof of the old toilet block in the park was replaced in April 2013.
STAGE 4 - BUILDING WORK STARTS
In autumn of 2014 the building work starts on the old toilet block and it is transformed into a shell ready to with disabled toilet. Just before Christmas Syd, the new tenant, gets the keys and can start to turn the building into a café.
STAGE 1 - IVY CLEARING DAY
On March 2nd 2013 a group of local volunteers came down to the park to clear the ivy from the old toilet block.