Royal Parks invite bids for historic ammunition store

Two buildings in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park have been put up for sale and could be converted into art galleries, cookery schools or even gyms.

The Grade-II listed Magazine in Kensington Gardens was built in 1805 for the storage of ammunition to protect central London from invasion and insurgencies. The Nursery in Hyde Park was used to grow plants for 25 years - the parks now mostly bring plants in from elsewhere.

Both buildings have been identified as part of the Royal Parks' Better Buildings Programme, which aims to raise funds to improve facilities and services for visitors. Under the programme, seven park lodges have already been refurbished for shortterm residential lettings, and two more will follow this year.

However, the Magazine and Nursery will not be available as homes. Instead, potential uses include a training or education centre; an art gallery, studio, museum or exhibition space; leisure and fitness uses; a cookery school; and a garden centre or specialist shop.

James Leaver, of estate agency Knight Frank, said: "The potential is very exciting and the Royal Parks are committed to look seriously at all proposals - no matter how quirky."

Proposals must comply with the objectives of the Royal Parks and with listed buildings rules.