Wanstead Park Grotto removed from Heritage at Risk Register

Wanstead Park's Grade II listed Grotto has been removed from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, according to the City of London Corporation. The Corporation, which manages the park as Conservators and Trustee of the Epping Forest charity, says the removal follows years of conservation planning and specialist restoration to stabilise the structure and preserve its historic fabric.

Built in 1761, the Grotto is a surviving fragment of the former Wanstead House estate. It stands beside the Ornamental Water and was designed as a boathouse and a place for entertainment, with interiors originally decorated with shells, crystals, mirrors and stones. A fire destroyed much of the structure in 1884, but its ruins remain a distinctive landmark in Epping Forest.

The nine-year project was led and mainly funded by the City Corporation, working with Historic England and Heritage of London Trust. Around £1 million was secured. Cliveden Conservation was commissioned to carry out the main works, which included installing a galvanised steel frame fixed to new concrete foundation trenches to stabilise the principal façade. The programme also included brickwork repairs and careful removal of vegetation.

Caroline Haines, chair of the Epping Forest & Commons Committee, said the Grotto's future had been saved. Christopher Laine of Historic England called the removal a fantastic achievement.

A public consultation on potential work to the Grotto and other historic features is expected to begin next year.