Hurst Park is a popular Surrey suburb, bursting with wonderful family- oriented facilities. Aside from the highly rated Hurst Park Primary School, it’s the area’s scenic location just along the Thames that has drawn in so many families. When locals aren’t soaking up their strolls and jogs along the river, they’re likely spending time at one of the many other recreational spaces. Whether it’s a picnic in the lush Hurst Park, a swim at Hurst Pool, or some exploring around the Molesey Reservoirs, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the great outdoors! In addition to all of this, residents have begun taking part in community gardening by participating at the Hurst Road Allotment Association. Between all of this, and the affordable terraced houses that line the streets, it’s no wonder that more and more are considering the move!

Hurst Park was originally known as Molesey Hurst and was unenclosed. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the site was used mainly for sporting purposes. Visitors would come to golf, play cricket and even race horses. In 1890, the site was enclosed and converted into the Hurst Park Racecourse. However, by 1962, the area’s purpose shifted and the site was converted into a public park. Today, locals use the space for walks, annual fairs, bird-watching, and charitable events.

Hurst Park was the site of a famous boxing match between Barney Aaron and Tom Collins. Taking place back in 1823, people flocked to the park to watch this exciting match.

Unfortunately, there are not many eateries or independent shops in this part of the neighbourhood. Still, when in search of a more bustling commercial area, it’s just an easy stroll to the nearby high streets.

In the long term the biggest change to Hurst Park is likely to be the introduction of Crossrail 2 at nearby Hampton Court station, which will reduce journey times into central London and alleviate congestion on the busy South Western Main Line. However, the project has been on hold since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and is not expected to be completed until well after 2030.

As a part of the Thames Landscape Strategy, there has been ongoing work on the beloved Hurst Park. This includes maintaining ferry service from the park, working on new landscaping, as well as the planting of new trees. Local community groups have also been working independently to install new sitting areas for the public to enjoy in the park. Nextdoor, planning permission to build a hotel and apartments on the site of the old Jolly Boatman pub was approved in 2009. However, the scheme - which consists of a number of new four-storey buildings by the river as well as the renovation of the historic Hampton Court Station - has since been the subject of a lengthy opposition campaign, including two High Court cases and a Court of Appeal judgement. The latest legal judgement was won by developers meaning locals are fearful that the project will go ahead in the next couple of years. As a part of the Thames Landscape Strategy, there has also been ongoing work on the beloved Hurst Park. This includes maintaining ferry service from the park, working on new landscaping, as well as the planting of new trees.