Forum Topic

Brentford footbridge

I really like the look of the new foot/cycle bridge over the river. However, seems very ornate and somewhat spaceage for the area. If they don't get the initial funding why don't Hounslow Council, Richmond Council and Kew Gardens along with local businesses chip in and build a more economical wooden one. Not ideal but would be handy for everyone and would boost the local economy. Our council especially in Brentford are getting a lot of revenue from new developments springing up so would be nice to see them investing in the local area.

Steve Allum ● 2978d31 Comments

But there are some much better projects across the borough that desperately need funding, so it's going to be a tough fight for the garden bridge funding.  Its a pity that the rate payers of Houslow are expected to pay for this new bridge.

Bernard Allen ● 2912d

Wonderful idea, bring it on

Elizabeth Price ● 2912d

£6,336 pledged of £166,188 and only 29 days left.Fair to say this looks unlikely to succeed.

Ed Stannard ● 2912d

From what I can see they are asking for voluntary donations. Looking at their page it seems local Brentford businesses are the single biggest donors.

Jacob James ● 2973d

I support this bridge in principle, it would be a very useful improvement for many folkVery disappointed they are asking general public to pay

Graham Cooper ● 2973d

I think this is what your friend was talking about Steve.https://www.spacehive.com/brentford-gate-footbridge

Jacob James ● 2973d

A friend just told me that there has already been architechtual computer aided designs and a local film on Brentford TV. Just wondering who arranged all of that. Also would be nice if it was a garden bridge and would then be in keeping for Kew Gardens. Still can't see why it can't be wooden.

Steve Allum ● 2974d

£20????????I hadn't realised how much it costs to visit Kew Gardens nowadays - last time I went I was a child and I remember it cost 1d

Mick Brent ● 2975d

The campaign group headed by Innes Garden to build a new pedestrian and cycle bridge from Ferry Quays to Kew has launched their first fundraising appeal to cover the architechtural designs and necessary surveys.The appeal for £166,285 has been launched on Spacehive, with pledges only being cashed in if the target amount is reached by 22nd September.So local residents are expected  to pay for the Design and surveys. It would have been better if they could have got  a few backers before asking for donations.They are also after the money that was going to go to the gardens bridge, but there are a few better projects across the borough that are more in need than a bridge across the river, so there going to have quite a few community groups after that money as well.

Bernard Allen ● 2975d

You're spot on. This is to raise money for a bridge, It's to raise money to PAY, handsomely I would suggest, those who came up with the idea.

Jonathan Portch ● 2975d

Ha-ha, good point Keith. I was speaking on behalf of my husband and myself.

Deborah Hall ● 2975d

That would be as A resident,YOU think, would it Deborah.?

Keith Iddon ● 2975d

As residents of Brentford, we think a footbridge accessing the south side of the river would be wonderful. We're keen cyclists and walkers and think this would greatly add to the amenities of the area, particularly if attention is paid to the design of the bridge to make it an attractive structure.  Incidentally, pledges from residents via the crowdfunding site will only be called upon if the bridge is built.

Deborah Hall ● 2975d

I have it on good authority that the 'vast majority' of people in Brentford relish the prospect of this bridge so much that they will be contributing not one penny toward its construction.PS..Not that many people want to go to Kew Gdns(about £20 to get in) that much that they want to save themselves a 20 minute walk over the existing bridge..you know..the one that's been there for years and actually looks quite nice and in keeping.

Keith Iddon ● 2975d

I think it's going to be a big ask to raise £160k through Crowdfunding and they seem to have put all their eggs into one basket. Should have secured some lead donations from major donors and local organisations first and then used crowdfunding and an individual giving campaign to get the rest. People like donating to things that seem like they will be successful and one gauge of that is if some major donors, trusts, foundations and companies have already backed the campaign. If they don't hit the £160k in the next 90 days they won't get any of the pledged money and it will dissuade potential donors if they see a huge target that the org looks unlikely to hit.

Ed Stannard ● 2975d

'...navigate Kew Bridge to cross over towards Brentford ....'There are pedestrian and cyclist shared pavements on both sides of the bridge which are amply wide enough for both users.As regards 'vast majority', posters always seem to claim to represent the views 'the majority'.

Barry Jacques ● 2975d

Yes the group have been very open, they were discussing trying to get the funding that would be taken away from the garden bridge, maybe some lottery money and by trying to gain some backers.But at the moment it's down to let us build a bridge together.The campaign group headed by Innes Garden to build a new pedestrian and cycle bridge from Ferry Quays to Kew has launched their first fundraising appeal to cover the architechtural designs and necessary surveys.The appeal for £166,285 has been launched on Spacehive, with pledges only being cashed in if the target amount is reached by 22nd September.But there are some much better projects across the borough that desperately need funding, so it's going to be a tough fight for the garden bridge funding.

Bernard Allen ● 2976d

Well I am basing the 'vast majority' supporting the bridge on discussing the project with community groups, residents groups and also attending the free walking-in session where Brentfordians were encouraged to voice their opinions at the Holiday Inn on the matter. What you basing your assertion on? Anything as substantial?Also I am afraid your assertion that you and I will pay for the bridge is false as well. A little research goes a long way. The group have been very open.

Jacob James ● 2976d

I remember cycling along that stretch in 58/59/60. Watching the docks at Brentford, the tug boats. Pure pleasure. One wet afternonn a friend and I went from Richmond weir to Kew Btridge seeing no one at all.

Nicholas Beard ● 2976d

" There are also many who work along the Golden Mile (GSK, SKY, JC Decaux etc) who cycle to work from Richmond and beyond"...These presumably being the self same cyclists who regularly terrorise pedestrians and dog walkers along the tow path between Richmond and Kew.Basically to use the towpath for commuting as against the road its necessary to maintain a speed of at least 10-15 mph. Otherwise there'sno point. However such speeds simply aren't compatable with shared use facilities such as towpaths.I used to regularly ride along that stretch oftowpath at a more suitable lesurely pace but was eventually forced to give up as a result of the activities of self righteous types whizzing past in both directions at speeds up to 20 m.p.h.  michael adams

Michael Adams ● 2976d

It seems the vast majority of Brentford residents are pro- the bridge.you got that wrong, talk to the real people of Brentford and you will find out a different story This basically an exercise in putting money in a developers pocket, and there not even going to any money up front, that's down to you and me

Bernard Allen ● 2976d

It seems the vast majority of Brentford residents are pro- the bridge. There are also many who work along the Golden Mile (GSK, SKY, JC Decaux etc) who cycle to work from Richmond and beyond and currently have to navigate Kew Bridge to cross over towards Brentford and would much rather use this proposed bridge for that purpose. Crowd funding is now open if you wish to donate to the project.https://www.spacehive.com/brentford-gate-footbridge

Jacob James ● 2976d

...... and it looked awful - like a 'dinosaur's backbone' was one comment I heard!

Barry Jacques ● 2977d

My understanding from the last time I spoke to Innes was that a wooden bridge as was initially proposed would not be strong enough to meet engineering requirements.

Kath Richardson ● 2977d

To be clear, Steve, I didn't say wooden bridges were not allowed.  I'm not an engineer and wouldn't know.  I said that, from what I had heard regarding the PLA's requirements, I didn't think a wooden bridge would satisfy them.

Barry Jacques ● 2977d

"a great shortcut to Kew Gardens."And that's about all it could ever be. And to a back entrance, at that. The potential traffic simply couldn't justify the cost. Which isn't to say that some Brentford residents might not be regularvisitors to Kew, in Summer at least.Only that there simply aren't enough of them.While visitors from farther away arriving by car will want to use the designated car parks; rather than taking their chances of finding a parking spot in Brentford.michael adams

Michael Adams ● 2977d

I didn't know locals were against it or that wooden bridges aren't allowed. I can't see it getting off the ground in that case which is a shame. I love walking around that area and would be a great shortcut to Kew Gardens.

Steve Allum ● 2978d

"Our council especially in Brentford are getting a lot of revenue from new developments springing up so would be nice to see them investing in the local area."It would indeed. But rather than waste it on a something that is not needed, surely it would be better spent on essential infrastructure to enable the area to cope with the large increase in population Hounslow seem intent on providing homes for: schools, transport links, temporary supermarket to cover the loss of Morrisons, not sacking 'lollipop' ladies, etc. Any bridge here will destroy priceless beautiful views of the river.  A wooden one would of necessity be hugely bulky, with high maintenance costs.  Also, as I understand, the PLA will not allow any structure to rest on the river bed and must allow 9 metres of clearance for boats. I can't see any wooden structure being able to comply with this.

Barry Jacques ● 2978d

There are quite a number of people who live in the area who are anti the construction of a new bridge, as the current lovely view of the river will be ruined and the economic benefits are considered spurious.They are also worried that it might become a rat run for unsavoury types late at night.They also think the money might be better spent elsewhere to help the local infrastructure and economy.I do not live in that area but those are some of the concerns that have been aired.

Keith Iddon ● 2978d

There are quite a number of people who live in the area who are anti the construction of a new bridge, as the current lovely view of the river will be ruined and the economic benefits are considered spurious.They are also worried that it might become a rat run for unsavoury types late at night.They also think the money might be better spent elsewhere to help the local infrastructure and economy.I do not live in that area but those are some of the concerns that have been aired.

Keith Iddon ● 2978d

Apologies for double post.

Keith Iddon ● 2978d