A couple of weeks ago, I was cycling back along the river from Hampton Court to Kingston, and it struck me that Hampton Court park is a pleasant and underused resource, geographically close to Surbiton but a pain to get to.
I think it would be a good idea to build a footbridge at Raven's Ait to allow access to the other side of the river.
What do you think?
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funny, I had the same idea, for the same reasons.
Some of you may have seen the proposed development at the Surbiton filter beds sight by Hydro Properties. http://www.hydroproperties.co.uk/projects.php. The projects seems very ambitious but it occured to me that this could be an ideal opportunity to try and push for a footbridge. The developer could be asked to partially take care of the cost and the location is already earmarked for potential develeopment.
Hydroproperties should propose and pay for this as part of the filter beds development.
It would be a shrewd move for Hydro Properties if they supported the building of a new footbridge as part of any revised plans for the filter beds site. This would show they are really committed to giving something back to the community and would definitely swing public and political opinion in favour of the development.
I think a footbridge across the Thames from Surbiton would be a fantastic idea. Hampton Court Park is frustratingly close yet we need to go all the way out to Kingston or Hampton Court bridges to get across the river. I have often thought about this myself and then came across this old post. Perhaps if there's enough interest/demand for such a bridge, it may become a reality some day. Does anyone else think this it’s a good idea?
Absolutely! If there is one improvement that I would make to Surbiton this would be it.
I live very close to the river, so it would be of particular benefit to me, but I think most in Surbiton would be in favour of this.
It would turn Surbiton from a great place to live into the perfect one. Already we benefit from a short walk to a very fast train service into London, a 1 minute walk to the River Thames and a 15 minute walk into a major shopping and entertainment centre whilst retaining a fairly quiet atmosphere.
The one thing that is missing is large open green space. There are a few small parks near the town centre (Claremont, Victoria etc) and Richmond, Bushy and Home Parks are local, but certainly not within easy walking distance.
If all of these advantages could be complemented by being only a couple of minutes walk from over 2000 acres of parkland (Home Park and Bushy Park combined), then I would really struggle to think of anywhere better to live. OK, there is always Richmond, but it is a lot more expensive!
Unfortunately, I think this is very unlikely to happen in these times of austerity. It would be interesting to see if this is something that the residents would contribute to the cost of. I would definitely be prepared to give generously to this.
See link below for a recent precedent for a footbridge in West Sussex.. A contract to build a new footbridge in Shoreham, West Sussex has recently been awarded. The cost is £4MM and is being funded by the council along with Sustrans the sustainable transport charity.
http://road.cc/content/news/28575-new-footbridge-contract-awarded-west-s...
I couldn't find the dimensions of the bridge anywhere but below is a link to a photo of the existing bridge (which is being replaced by the new bridge). It seems the lenght of the bridge wouldn't be too disimilar to what would be looking at for a footbridge over the Thames at Surbiton.
http://www.pbase.com/scooter41/image/19369545
This gives a very crude indication of potential costs but also highlights that funding is available for sustainable projects if there is enough demand.
I agree with others on this, having just been in to homepark for the first time yesterday. Sadly I think that this will not happen, not only because of the costs, but the bridge would have to enable passage of the ferrys and the height of the masts on the sailing boats that are unique to surbiton.
I don't think the height of boats that would need to pass under the bridge is a major obstacle. It would need to allow at least as much clearance as Kingston and Hampton Court Bridges.
Funding will certainly be an issue but if the demand is there, the idea could gain traction. Priority is being given to projects that encourage cycling/walking rather than using motor vehicles and a footbridge will definitely reduce the number of car journies across the river.
Tunnel?
Perhaps a regular, reliable ferry service from Harts Boatyard across to the towpath would be a viable answer? Like in Venice...
It should be possible as long as control is taken away from the lazy so and so that currently runs it.
I have often waited for 5-10 minutes and he has refused to come across to pick up 3 or 4 people. At £1 a person (tax free) you would have thought it would be a nicer little earner!
I've always though t about buying him a remote controlled doorbell. In reference to the boats, the sailing boats at Thames Sailing Club have 45ft masts to get the breeze from over the tall trees.
My suggestion would be to have a two part bridge, using Ravens Ait as a half way point. Perhaps going from the landing point car park ...
Although the best solution would be to have a reliable boat service.
Remote control doorbell is a great idea, but would not make any difference in this case. I have seen people waiting on the jetty on the Surbiton side for 10 minutes before giving up. If he doesn't fancy it, he won't go.
I think that a bridge is a better solution even than a reliable boat service. It takes all of the hassle and cost out of it. If you want to go over there for a 30 minute run after work, you'd probably think twice about it if it meant getting a boat, paying £1 each way and possibly missing the last boat back. Even if the boat is reliable, it would still take 10 minutes to get there and back once you include the queuing/waiting time etc.
With a bridge, you would be over there in 30 seconds, and not have any worries about getting back.
Of course, it costs a lot to get it built.....
Well, if the council are involved, then they should make the thing bright bloody yellow so blind people don't walk into it. (Like they've done with the railings along the promenade .. who's stupid H&S idea was that?)
Hello all, The condition of the developement should be to provide a swing bridge/Bridge that can be alterred for boats with masts. I call upon all you lovely surbitonites to make this so. Go to the meetings and express this need for a bridge. We could have something really amazing here - take the opportunity that is being suggested. I do not accept it being a cost issue. A marina, a place to eat and picnic area ALL EXIST within a mile radius of this site. Deasign idea's could be provided by Kingston uni students, local people - even a competition could get the ball rolling. having lived here all my years the thames filtration beds have never been improved/developed. it is long over due. Vote bridge locals.
p.s 'poppy' i love your work on here.
p.ps keep surbiton.com free. (this is not the timesonline wind your neck in)