The boathouse was destroyed by a fire last September and has now been demolished, prompting residents to consider what should replace it, writes Evie Goodwin
A burnt-out boathouse at Highams Park Lake has been demolished, bringing an end to a building that stood on the lakeside for more than 50 years – and raising new questions about what should replace it.
Contractors began demolition on 16th February following a fire that destroyed the two-storey building last September, taking about three weeks to complete their works.
All buildings and fencing on the site have now been removed apart from an electrical outbuilding, which remains fenced off. The concrete base and the retaining wall in front of the former boathouse have also been left in place for the time being while the conservators decide what to do with the site.
The boathouse was destroyed in a fire in the early hours of 24th September 2025. Six fire engines and around 30 firefighters attended the blaze, which was brought under control later that morning.
Tristan Vetta, of landowner City of London Corporation, previously told the Highams Park Planning Group (HPPG) that although the cause of the fire has not been confirmed, “it is most likely accidental arson caused by intruders trying to steal metal pipework from the building.” He added that the explanation is “not 100% certain.”
The London Fire Brigade has not yet formally confirmed the cause and says the incident remains under investigation.
For many residents, however, attention has now shifted from how the fire started to what happens next.
The boathouse had been part of the park since the 1970s and was featured on Blue Peter in the late 1970s. It was used by local Scout groups from around 1981, supporting boating and outdoor activities on the lake for decades.
Although usage had declined in recent years – with the Scouts returning the keys around two years before the fire – the building remained a familiar landmark for visitors to the park.
Because the structure was built into the lake’s retaining dam, redevelopment options are limited by engineering and environmental constraints.
City of London has indicated there are no plans to build housing or a car park on the site.
Instead the corporation says it is considering landscaping and “reprofiling” of the land to create a more open approach to the lake. However, a final decision has not yet been made.
Local residents are already being asked for their views on what should happen next.
A recent community survey from the Hatch Lane & Highams Park North Conservatives asks people how often they visit Highams Park and what they use it for – from walking and wildlife to family time and exercise.
The Tories said: “Following the recent fire at the boathouse by Highams Park lake, many residents have spoken to us on the doorstep about how much the lake and park mean to them.
“Highams Park is one of the most valued and well-used green spaces in our area. The lake is a beautiful, tranquil oasis for everyone. The fire has understandably raised questions about the future of the boathouse and how this part of the park should be used going forward.”
The survey presents options including a visitor centre, a community space for local groups, a café or refreshment area, an education hub, or a mixture of these.
Gordon Turpin, chair of the Highams Park Planning Group, said the City of London has indicated it will consult residents on future proposals and may use the group to help reach people locally, though details of that consultation have not yet been announced.
With the demolition now complete, the focus has shifted firmly to the future of the site, and whether this prominent lakeside space will become landscaped open ground or once again serve as a community used space in the heart of Highams Park.
No news is bad news
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.
Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.
Monthly direct debit
Annual direct debit
£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.
More information on supporting us monthly or annually
More Information about donations
