The Crown Estate is preparing to resume management of a historic
park and two car parks lying in adjacent to Windsor Castle, ending
more than eight decades of local authority control.
Home Park in Windsor, together with the King Edward VII and
Romney Lock car parks, has been managed by the Royal Borough of
Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) since 1939. However, the council has
said it can no longer afford the investment needed to maintain and
improve the facilities.
The Crown Estate, which manages land and property on behalf of
the monarch during their reign, said it was dissatisfied with the
condition of the park and intends to “transform” the area through
significant investment.
In a statement, the Estate said
it would enhance the experience of visitors and local users,
describing Home Park as an “integral part” of the wider Windsor
Estate.
The park, which was first laid out for public recreation with
the permission of Queen Victoria, sits within land that cannot be
sold and remains closely tied to the royal household. The Crown
Estate said the sports pitches currently suffer from extreme
conditions – “bone dry in the summer” and frequently “waterlogged”
during winter months.
Once control is transferred, the Estate plans to introduce a
“proactive programme of professional groundworks” and consult with
sporting groups, anglers and the local authority.
Although the Crown Estate is not legally required to compensate
the council, RBWM would receive £600,000 to help offset the loss of
income from car park fees should councillors agree to relinquish
control.
The Crown Estate operates as an independent commercial
organisation but ultimately belongs to the monarch for the duration
of their reign. Its portfolio is valued at approximately £15
billion and includes extensive holdings across England, notably
much of London’s West End.
Councillors are due to vote on the proposal next week. If
approved, management of the park and car parks would formally
return to the Crown Estate on 1 April.
An alternative option – investing £3.5 million of council funds
to upgrade the facilities – has been ruled out by RBWM officers,
who said it was “not financially or operationally viable” given the
authority’s current financial pressures.
If the transfer proceeds, the land used by archers, anglers,
athletes, footballers, cricketers, rugby and tennis players will
once again be managed directly as part of the historic Windsor
royal estate — bringing stewardship of the park back under the
Crown for the first time in more than 80 years.
