Chiswick Park Footbridge Officially Opens

End to twenty year long project will give easier access to transport links

Official ribbon cutting in the presence of (from left to right) Mark Bird, Director Of Development at BPM, The Blackstone Group, Councillor Steve Curran Leader of Hounslow Council, Matt Coulson, CEO Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work and Mark Frost, London Borough of Hounslow.

The new 135m pedestrian bridge was formally opened today to the public at Chiswick Park, a project which has taken twenty years to come to fruition.

A yellow ribbon was cut by the CEO of Chiswick Park, Matt Coulson, helped by Leader of Hounslow Council, Steve Curran. Those gathered included a cross section of people who had campaigned for this bridge for many years, ranging from local councillors, to community groups, and members of the Gunnersbury Station Action Group. Local MP Ruth Cadbury was also present. Her predecessor as MP, Mary Macleod, had also been instrumental in getting the project off the ground.

The new bridge allows faster access to Chiswick Park Underground Station, reducing the walking time to just 4 minutes. Chiswick Park is now served by two direct Underground stations on each side of its Campus: Gunnersbury Station and Chiswick Park Station.

The objective of building the bridge was to help alleviate congestion at Gunnersbury Station, which was often dangerously overcrowded at peak times. However, getting the bridge built was a complex task, and involved years of discussions between stakeholders Hounslow and Ealing Councils, Transport for London (TfL) Network Rail and Chiswick Park who financed the scheme- you can read some of our earlier coverage in the story links in the above box. However, the setbacks and frustrations were forgotten today as those present admired the cantilevered structure which will be lit up at night.

Group photo of those involved in helping get the project off the ground

The choice of materials and structural systems were selected carefully. The 220 tonne bridge is formed of three steel arches in earthy tones and hardwood timber deck. The overall design, described by its architects as ‘sustainable, elegant and efficient’, was devised to reduce ongoing maintenance requirements. The bridge is expected to be used by thousands pedestrians daily. It has anti slippage features on the wooden walkway, and there is a lift on either side.

Construction work began in August 2017 after an agreement was signed between Chiswick Park, Hounslow and Ealing Councils, Network Rail, and Transport for London (Tf)L).

‘Today marks the accomplishment of a twenty years long project. We are very pleased with the final product as the design complements the natural surroundings of the Park. Our footbridge is an extension to our local community and a direct link to Chiswick High Road and all its amenities. Our Guests and local residents have been looking forward to the Grand Opening!’ said Matt Coulson, CEO Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work.

MP Ruth Cadbury crosses the bridge (on right) with others

The new footbridge has been highly anticipated by both the 9,000 workers and the local residents and will make a huge difference to their daily routine. The bridge will improve journey times to central London with more frequent District Line trains and improved access to the Piccadilly Line.

The introduction of the Elizabeth Line as part of Crossrail at Ealing Broadway in December will continue to increase Chiswick Park’s connectivity.

January 24, 2019