The View will see the existing disused rail bridge restored to community use. Landscaped planters and seating will give visitors a chance to enjoy a newly opened up view of the river. A key objective of the project is to make The View accessible to all. This aim is at the forefront of all our planning and design processes.

The disused rail bridge

Converting the disused rail bridge to community use has many challenges. Surveys confirm that the main structure of the bridge is sound and can withstand the load needed for a fully operational green walkway. The main design features and work required to convert the bridge include:

  • Repositioning of high voltage cables that power the existing rail services

  • Removing rotten timber beams

  • Installing new steel decking to take the planters and integrated seating

  • Removing ugly metal parapet and replacing with glass or similar to enable a full unobstructed view. (images)

  • Retention and restoration of Victorian turnstile on Hounslow side

  • Installation of lighting to ensure safety and provide enhanced lighting of planting

  • Installation of watering and irrigation system for planting

  • Installation of designed fencing and barrier to ensure railway is free from leaf drop

  • Information boards and graphics to enhance visitors’ experience

Access

Access from the Barnes side

Access to The View from Barnes side of the river will be by ramp and stairs. A ramp from the bridge will:

  • Be fully compliant with current legislation to allow wheelchairs and other mobility devices to enjoy the bridge

  • Run alongside the existing path, Long Walk, and take visitors up to the level of The View For anyone not wishing to use the ramp, the existing stairs to the train station platform will be replaced with more user-friendly steps

  • Offer a contemporary feel and complement the existing Victorian architecture

  • Provide step-free access to and from the rail platform for rail users coming from London to Barnes Bridge

Access from the Hounslow side

Access to The View will be ramp and stairs. A ramp from the bridge will:

  • Connect with the existing road, Dan Mason Drive, on the north of the Dukes Hollow Nature reserve

  • Provide stair access to connect with the new Dukes Meadow Footbridge

  • Allow easy access for both routes to the View from either the East or West side of the railway line.

  • Be fully compliant with current legislation to allow wheelchairs and other mobility devices to enjoy The View

  • Offer a staircase , alongside, which will be designed to complement the contemporary design of the new connecting Dukes Meadow Footbridge

  • Existing platform access and routes

    Platforms are currently accessed via stairs only

    Platform changes require leaving the station

    Only pedestrian access over the river is via footpath on the east

  • Existing pedestrian link

    It is the only pedestrian crossing until you reach Chiswick or Hammersmith Bridge

    It is only accessed from Platform 1 and via stairs

    It does not meet current accessibility requirements (no ramped access or lift)

  • Existing - Poor connectivity to onward journeys

    Onward journeys north on foot from Platform 2 is circuitous, using the existing pedestrian route on the eastern side of the bridge

    This route is only accessible via stairs

  • In use vs. Not in use

    Barnes Bridge currently only uses the eastern pedestrian path

    Historically both sides of the rail bridge were used as pedestrian access, and remnants of this can still be seen today in the turnstiles and stair access on the northern banks

  • Green Corridor

    Starting in Barnes Common Nature Reserve and extending to Dukes Meadow, King House and Chiswick sports grounds, Barnes bridge offers an opportunity to link existing green corridors

  • Proposed ramping and activation of western pedestrian route

    The proposed ramping and bridge activation improves station access and will reintroduce a unique public realm area serving both sides of the River Thames

    The ramped access will create a ‘trail’ through the existing woodlands on both sides of the Thames and allow access to the station platform.

  • Activation of western footpath

    To provide a functional new access route the western footpath will require a parapet to protect from falls and adequate separation/screening from the rail

    These necessary components are to be sympathetic to the bridge and appear as secondary to the overall appearance of the bridge

 Planting and layout

Activation, a meandering route

Maintaining a 2m wide corridor, the footpath meanders around planters and integrated seating creating an enjoyable, relaxing and unique space for the public

A non-linear path from end to end discourages speed, creates a variety pockets and reinforces the feeling of a public realm space

 

The bridge today

The concept