Recently, the Grove Park council have nominated the historical ice house to be on the local listing of the Borough of Council. This is a list consisting of significant local structures that are protected by the council, due to it's contribution to characterising the local area. As shown by the nomination, the residents of Grove Park believe the ice house deserves to be on this listing, because of the historical value it offers. 

Ice houses were invented to store ice and store foods and drinks. They were first introduced to Britain in the mid 1600’s and have not been used for their original purpose for more than 60 years. This means the Grove Park ice house could be up to 350 years old. Villagers would cut out ice from lakes and collect snow in winter and deposit it into an ice house. This ice would tend to stay frozen throughout the spring and then the ice will be used in the Summer and Autumn. The ice houses would usually have some form of entrance, wether that be a dome or hut with a door. The place where the ice is actually stored is underground, as the ground underneath is dug up. The lack of heat was maintained by the insulation that people would heavily layer the pit with insulation, such as brick, straw and cloth. 

In recent years, the ice house has already withstood some minor damages, like dislodged bricks. This could be because of school children from a local primary school climbing it after school or reckless behaviour by locals. A resident that lives in the flats behind the structure, Amy Jennings, said that, “I think it’s important to maintain the history of our town. It will be a great if they do add the ice house to the list.” 

Overall, it will be a great success for Grove Park and it’s residents if the ice house is added to the shortlist. However, the ice house will still be positively affected even if it isn’t added, as it will gain recognition as a significant structure by locals and the council of Chiswick.

Joe Watton Hampton School