A charge could be introduced to see Hall Place’s historic gardens as Bexley Council looks to plug a deficit at the attraction.

It comes as proposals for a major £600k investment – including a new park, visitor hub and an artisan market – were put to councillors.

The council took over control of Hall Place last year and has been looking to cut costs while attracting more visitors through one-off exhibitions.

Under the new scheme, hoped to plug some of the attraction’s £240k deficit, residents could be charged up to £2 to wander the gardens – something that is currently free.

The council hopes to encourage more people to the site through major investments, but councillors warned residents would not be happy if they have to shell out for entry.

Councillor Stef Borella said: “When the decision is taken, I don’t imagine residents will be particularly enthusiastic by being charged to see the gardens.

“There’s no option here for borough residents getting in for free – I take it the business plan is vital, it must be fairly concrete that we are going to charge.

“It would be interesting to see what the estimated income would be if we didn’t charge for residents but out-of-borough residents being charged a bit more.”

Entrance into the house currently costs £10, and the council is considering introducing a fee of £1, £1,50 or £2 for a standard entry into the gardens, along with discounted tickets for under-16s.

Sidcup councillor June Slaughter said: “I have mixed feelings about charging for the gardens but I appreciate the enhanced offer gives a very good reason for raising a charge.

“I am concerned that it will put off the casual visitor who wants to have a wander around the grounds, and that could be a great pity.”

Cllr Melvyn Seymour, chairman of the places scrutiny meeting, pointed out that proposals to charge under five-year-olds should be looked at again.

Also planned for the Grade I listed mansion is a major revamp of the visitors area, including a new cafe, along with a new playground similar to the scale of Belvedere Beach, which opened last year.

The playground would not be “shiny and plastic”, councillors were told, rather in keeping with the tone of the listed mansion.

The council is also considering another bridge across the River Cray, a new shop and a gallery along with new courtyard.

Councillors have welcomed proposals for an artisan outside marketplace and courtyard, something that officers expect to attract more visitors.

Cllr Geraldene Lucia-Hennis said: “The rented chalets outside are a brilliant idea and they will go down enormously well.”

The chalets, which would be used year-round, would be a focal point for the site leading down to a new outside seating area that could double as a bandstand.

The proposals also include reorganising the exhibition areas to stop closures  during private functions, something visitors have complained about before. 

The major revamp proposals will need to be signed off by the cabinet member Peter Craske, and would also be subject to the planning process.