Forum Topic

Proposed A4 bridge

Does that mean the Registry office will be closed?  Not that I am planning on using it!

Carol Burge ● 6237d5 Comments

"Surely the planners and developers of yet another big superstore could include a religious building in the scheme."According to the papers for the LBHF Cabinet meeting in February:It is an obligation on the selected developer partner to provide an alternative to the Friends Meeting House. The Council has commenced the preparatory work and is in discussion with representatives of the Friends on possible alternatives.

Richard Jennings ● 6232d

That would not be good........we should protect places of worhip, or in this case meeting houses.  Actually on the back of this I have just read up on Quakers, I have known for years this building was there but never thought much about it.  And what a fascinating read it was.

Carol Burge ● 6232d

Yes, the proposal looks appealing in planning and landscaping terms, but the implications are far reaching.The proposed bridge across the A4 will emerge close to the site of the original 18th. Century Quaker Meeting House. This was destroyed by bombs in the Second World War. A new meeting House was built in 1955 on the opposite side of the road which is in the middle of this new King Street Regeneration Project. If the scheme is approved the Quakers place of worship will be destroyed yet again not by bombs but by the bulldozer. To date, as far as I know, there is no plan to design and build a place for the Religious Society of Friends (the Quakers). No doubt the Council will consider compulsary purchase if neccessary. Surely the planners and developers of yet another big superstore could include a religious building in the scheme.

Brian Boothby ● 6232d

I think it's a great idea. I saw the plans a while ago and I must admit, I can't remember thinking it had much of an impact on Furnival Gardens but then again, my memory isn't as good as it was in my younger days ;o). I seem to remember that including a bridge would result in a series of terraces in Furnival Gardens for the descent which would have the effect of lessening the noise of the A4. Not sure if the plans have changed or if they are online for viewing.I don't think the underpass is a pleasant experience and a bridge would connect the new town hall piazza to the river in a way that the underpass never can. That said, I wouldn't want to lose too much of Furnival Gardens either.

Sharon Isaac-Upton ● 6236d

I must admit if it is going to impact on Furnivall Gardens then I would have reservations.......this is an area that must be preserved.

Carol Burge ● 6236d

Hmm, I don't know.I notice that the Hammersmith Society have decided that they're against it.....which is a shame as I think a bridge across at that point is a good idea - much more appealing than the underpass.

Andrew Broadbent ● 6236d