PROPOSED FACELIFT FOR TEDDINGTON’S BROAD STREET
Improvement plan for Broad Street
Living pillars on lamp posts and planters
Brightening up Tesco in with giant murals
Paving stones with famous images of Mr Bean and Morecambe and Wise
Richmond Council has outlined exciting plans for a massive improvement project for Teddington’s Broad Street.
“We would like to make improvements to the character and appearance of the street to enhance the experience for residents and visitors,” says a council briefing note.
The Council has commissioned a specialist company of urban designers called Metropolitan Workshop which has drawn up specific proposals for a two phase wide ranging and imaginative facelift focussing on ‘urban greening.’
The plans and designs are outlined in a booklet and the council will provide funding through a Public Realm Improvement Fund (PRIF) programme.
In an introduction Metropolitan Workshop says: “Broad Street, Teddington, is a commercially thriving street despite the challenges it has faced during the pandemic.
“The local community is strong and loyal to the street and the shops and services it provides.
“However, despite its ongoing popularity, the street is suffering from a number of problems. Pavements are narrow and the road is very busy which makes for a rather unpleasant pedestrian and cycling experience.
“The street is also very hard. The road dominates, even in areas where more space could be afforded to people. If left unattended, there is a risk that these conditions could harm the vitality and long term viability of Broad Street.
“The ideas have ben developed in collaboration with stakeholders, whose local intelligence, enthusiasm and support will help to secure the long term future of the street.”
Amongst the proposals are wooden street furniture, paving stones reflecting local culture as well as upgraded signage, shrub planting, living pillars added to lamp posts, and an extensive programme of urban greening and planters.
Plans for engraved paving stones include silhouettes reflecting historic shows filmed at the former Teddington Studios such as The Avengers, Morecambe and Wise, Mr Bean, the Beatles and The Office and navigation directions on ‘wayfinding pavers’ for local landmarks like Teddington Station, Bushy Park, Teddington Lock and the Landmark Arts Centre.
The proposals also include various ‘artist collaborations’ recommendations to the walls outside Boots and Tesco such as giant brightly-coloured murals.
