Plans for a new 'urban beach' on the banks of the River Thames in Fulham, London, have been unveiled by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF).

The local authority is hoping to recreate a seaside atmosphere that used to attract Edwardian families from across London to Margate Sands as part of an £8m scheme to regenerate Bishop's Park. Sand from Margate and other Kent beaches was used to create the urban beach, which first opened in 1903 but fell into disrepair during the Second World War before being closed due to safety reasons in 1949.

However, the beach is now set to reopen under new plans put forward by LBHF, which will also lead to the restoration of the adjacent Fulham Palace grounds and Bishop's Park's ornamental lakes. Plans for Fulham Palace include the restoration of the walled garden, the partial excavation of the palace's moat for repair, the renovation of a vinery and the conversion of the stables into an education centre.

LBHF cabinet member for parks, culture and heritage, Frances Stainton, said: "Both Bishops Park and Fulham Palace grounds are of huge historic importance to the borough and these plans will see them reaffirmed as jewels in the Hammersmith and Fulham crown. "Both locations have played an integral part in the history of the borough and we look forward to a time in the near future when work can begin."

LBHF is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund to secure £3.65m towards the scheme, which is also set to form part of the council's ParkLife initiative to improve the borough's parks and open spaces.