This white paper is an update on the Radnor Bridge initiative. The topics outlined in the 2014 paper of ‘why’, ‘where’ and ‘what’ to build are still being heatedly debated and evolved. However, it is the question of ‘how’ that has proved to be the most interesting and complex. Not only in the technical sense of how it might be constructed, but the bigger picture of questioning how the bridge could get to the point where it might conceivably become a reality, with the issues of community buy-in, land ownership, finance, structural integrity, access, ecology, Metropolitan Open Land and planning amongst others being the focus of much discussion.

1. OUR STORY CONTINUES
GENESIS OF A FOOTBRIDGE FROM A COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE
Mark WING
Creative Strategist
Interrelated Ltd
Twickenham, London, UK
markwing@interrelated.co.uk
Richard WOOLF
Architect
McDaniel Woolf
Ham / Richmond, London, UK
richard@mcdanielwoolf.co.uk
Summary
At Footbridge 2014 two members of the West London community, Richard Woolf (an architect) and Mark
Wing (a creative strategist), presented their dream to develop, and ultimately see installed, a cycle and
pedestrian bridge between neighbouring communities separated by only 100m of the River Thames.
And the story continues. Since its inception in 2010 the project has gained recognition, ideas have evolved,
challenges have arisen, local meetings attended and many discussions undertaken. In tandem, the wider
world has changed and the way we engage with each other, disseminate information and potentially even
manipulate outcomes, can afford opportunities for our heroic bridge champions to cultivate the debate further.
Keywords: Radnor Bridge; Concept; Proposal; River Thames; Richmond; Genesis; Community;
Twickenham; Richmond; Bifurcated:
1. Introduction
'Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm' - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Enthusiasm to see a physical link between their two communities on either side of the River Thames in west
London is what continues to drive Mark Wing and Richard Woolf to cultivate their proposals and
communicate their story to as wide an audience as possible. Since first presenting their ideas at Footbridge
2014, the privately funded initiative has steadily begun to capture the imagination of the residents of
Richmond upon Thames and beyond.
The topics outlined in the 2014 paper of ‘why’, ‘where’ and ‘what’ to build are still being heatedly debated and
evolved. However, it is the question of ‘how’ that has proved to be the most interesting and complex. Not
only in the technical sense of how it might be constructed, but the bigger picture of questioning how the
bridge could get to the point where it might conceivably become a reality, with the issues of community buy-
in, land ownership, finance, structural integrity, access, ecology, Metropolitan Open Land and planning
amongst others being the focus of much discussion.
In tandem, our society is changing, particularly through the use of technology, visualization and social media
which affords the ability to reach a wider audience, who in turn have the mandate to get involved. Just two
enthusiastic intellectuals now have the tools at their disposal to evolve a complex infrastructure project into a
feasible proposal for serious consideration, which was previously the monopoly of the Government and its
ministries, and they are willing to share all in the interest of public debate.

2. 2. Building on our enthusiasm
In 2010 the local council invited the residents of Richmond upon Thames to propose conceptual ideas for
change in their environment which would be innovative, sustainable, elegant and economic. What began as
the result of a discussion over breakfast became the idea for a new bifurcated pedestrian and cycle bridge, a
radical intervention that inspired positive imagination amongst some, while at the same time garnering a
negative, almost hostile response from others who were resistant to change.
Following an initial presentation at the Barefoot Consultation
[1]
, a drop-in exhibition for the Richmond
community, Radnor Bridge, as it is now known, has increasingly become a reality.
Fig. 1. 2016 visual of Radnor Bridge, with Ham Lands, left and Radnor Gardens, Twickenham, right
2.1 Why – to build a river crossing
A distance of only 100m separates the built-up community of Twickenham from the amenity and space of
Ham and Petersham. Radnor Bridge will link two separated worlds within the same borough and thus
stimulate change – break down barriers, facilitate movement, sharing of interests and goodwill. We believe
that it will become a space to enjoy and interact with, opening up previously difficult to access recreational
land and connecting important national heritage for greater numbers to enjoy in the form of local historical
attractions on both sides. At the same time working with, as well as helping to deliver, the Arcadian Thames
Landscape Strategy[2]
for the area.
Recent and proposed intensification of land use in Ham, including a large Housing Association initiative,
resulting in several hundred new homes has placed the need for viable transportation links into stark contrast
as the existing road system is slowly grinding to a halt. Combined with the adoption of cycling as a viable
form of transportation and a new generation of Londoners keen to connect, this has given the bridge
proposal new momentum as a much needed piece of transport infrastructure in West London.
2.2 Where – to build at Radnor Gardens
Many potential bridge locations have been proposed over the years, and the suggested location between
Radnor Gardens and Ham Lands has been questioned many times. Having to justify the idea at
consultations and through online forums has caused Mark and Richard to repeatedly review and reassess
their proposal. The outcome has been to reinforce their belief that it will deliver the most strategic advantage
to the wider community and will provide additional infrastructure to support the local investment in the area.
The bicycle has come of age as a means of transport, as well as for recreation: the bridge will facilitate
improved access from Twickenham to Richmond Park and on into Central London, while from Ham it will
provide a direct link to a mainline rail station for easy onward commuting. It will create a welcome connection
between Ham House and Strawberry Hill House, as well as perhaps helping to square the circle with both
York House and Marble Hill House too.
Although not highway engineers, Mark and Richard propose that a mini-roundabout be introduced at the
entrance to Radnor Gardens. This will slow the traffic near the two schools located nearby, aiding the direct
access onto the bridge for cyclists while also easing the traffic flow for pedestrians. In this way, everyone will
be able to enjoy the gardens and the majestic riverbank, as well as traverse the bridge to Ham Lands on the
other side, thus creating a natural extension to the garden experience.

3. A recent blog in January 2017 sets out the reasons for the location of the bridge in more detail.
Fig. 2. Aerial view with Ham to the top and Twickenham to the bottom
2.3 What – to build
The design intention remains consistent, using the natural topology of the land on both sides of the River
Thames to provide an obvious crossing point for the bridge to be timelessly woven into its landscape. In this
way the bridge will contribute a picturesque crossing. One that fits within its landscape and the tradition of
Arcadian Thames.
By attending relevant events and trade shows affords Mark and Richard have been able to explore technical
issues and the potential use of innovative materials with other consultants and manufacturers. Through this
process they have maintained that the bridge deck will be bifurcated, providing two levels of transfer across
the Thames. The first higher level, facing up stream, will be for foot passengers, the lower level, facing
downstream, will be for cyclists. However, the overall the structural design must remain as minimal and
elegant as technically possible.
2.4 How – through communication and debate
Our intention has always been to cultivate debate and establish if a community wishes to see connection
between separated geographies and histories. This has been carried out at both macro level through social
and traditional media and micro level through direct dialogue with individuals.
2.4.1 Social media
The launch of the bridge in 2010 coincided with the then Prime Minister, David Cameron’s, Big Society
initiative to encourage communities, businesses, charities and foundations and statutory bodies to work
together to generate innovative solutions which can strengthen local neighbourhoods. Coupled with the
uptake of smart phones and the use of social media to facilitate the sharing of information, ideas and other
forms of expression via virtual communities and networks, individuals were empowered to take part in
initiatives, voice their opinions and have a sense of personal enfranchisement.
Through a continual updating of the Facebook page, Twitter and blog accounts, social media is being used
as a critical method of information dissemination.
Radnor Bridge’s Facebook page continues to be updated and responses to some of the posts have resulted
in open and frank discussions. When the latest visuals of the bridge were posted online in November 2016,
Mark and Richard were struck by the continued interest, both positive and negative, still being generated.
http://www.facebook.com/RadnorBridge/

4. Alongside this, the Radnor Bridge blog complements Facebook, with more detailed opinion pieces, updates
on conversations and design developments, as well as the history and background of the initiative. This
includes reports on one-to-one dialogues and community forums, to enable the issues raised in these
conversations to be shared more widely.
http://radnorbridge.blogspot.co.uk/
And Twitter is the natural forum for quick and succinct questions and answers. For example, a recent multi-
way exchange has addressed concerns and garnered reassurance about the height of the bridge, to ensure
that boats of all sizes can pass underneath at high tide.
@RadnorBridge
The cause has been picked up by local online newspaper The Twickenham Tribune (formerly The
Twickenham Times). The article featured in edition 5 generated a number of responses, which resulted in a
follow-up piece in edition 9 and an ongoing dialogue with a number of local residences. There was a further
article in edition 12 and the promise of more to come.
http://twickenhamtribune.com/
Fig. 3. Radnor Bridge on social media, a) Facebook, b) Blogspot, c) Twitter
2.4.2 Traditional media
An article that Mark initiated, through discussions with a local journalist, featured in the Richmond and
Twickenham Times, 27 March 2015
[3]
. Amongst other content, it confirmed that the bridge had the backing of
the then local MP Vince Cable and the Port of London Authority was quoted as stating that it was always
pleased to discuss ideas for new bridges.
An unusual opportunity presented itself in December 2015, and as a result the debate about the bridge was
advertised as a banner at the season ice skating rink at Strawberry Hill House.
The News Editor of the Architects Journal has said he liked the concept and it is anticipated that the bridge
will feature within the In Pictures section in the near future.
2.4.3 Dialogue
Engaging with a global city such as London, establishing an agenda and generating a debate has required
the creation of a lobbying strategy to create dialogue directly with stakeholder individuals and groups. Recent
engagement with community representatives, elected councilors and local families has garnered various
responses, but these have all served to keep Radnor Bridge on the wider agenda.
In a similar vein to the original 2010 Barefoot Consultation presentation, Mark and Richard manned another
local exhibition event held in June 2014 and again in 2015 at Twickenham Stadium, alongside various
community groups, societies and charities. They were able to explain, with presentation boards, leaflets and
one-on-one engagement, exactly what the bridge could deliver to local infrastructure and transportation links.
A River Thames boat trip in June 2013, attended by interested architects, engineers and several locally
elected councilors, was an excellent opportunity for Richard to explain, mid-stream at the Radnor Gardens
crossing point, exactly where the bridge would be constructed and how it would serve both communities.

5. Fig. 4. Richard and Mark at the Twickenham Stadium consultation 2015
In December 2016, the bridge proposal continued to gather momentum, perhaps encouraged in part by the
planned redevelopment by Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) of Ham Close area, growing the number of
homes in that area from the current 192 housing units to a planned 425, putting pressure on the transport
infrastructure. In parallel with this the Ham and Petersham Neighbourhood Plan
[4]
was open for public
consultation and Mark entered into an email dialogue with the chairman of the committee to ensure that
Radnor Bridge remained as an option for future consideration.
Mark had an opportunity to put a question to Richmond Council leaders at a local Question Time session in
January 2017, to ensure Radnor Bridge had not been forgotten and to ask that it be included within the
Council’s Village Planning documents and discussions. Although both initially cagey in their response, both
the Leader of the Council, Lord True, and Councilor Pamela Fleming agreed that it was an item that should
be kept on the agenda and debated again in the future.
A local Radnor Bridge supporter attended the “Strawberry Hill area plan
[5]
consultation walkabout” organized
by Richmond Council in March 2017, during which he noted a marked increase in interest in the proposed
Radnor Bridge idea and how it might sit with various Ham and Twickenham plans and Thames strategies.
Fig. 5. Mark asked a question of Richmond Council leaders
In addition to specific local engagement, the bridge has been a catalyst in expanding the general knowledge
of the team about various aspects of community engagement and place making, as well as bridge design.
Most recently this has included:
In January 2017 Mark and Richard attend a fascinating talk entitled A Bridge Too Far at the Architect@Work
show at London’s Olympia. Also that month Mark attended an interesting presentation by NLA (New London
Architecture) about 'place making' and 'regeneration'.
In May 2017 an all-day conference organized by London’s Docklands History Group entitled “Thames River
Crossings” provided Mark and Richard the opportunity to understand historic context and discuss the topic
with a wider interested group.
Further information on all events and discussions can be found on the Radnor Bridge blog,
http://radnorbridge.blogspot.co.uk/

6. 3. So, what’s next?
Interest in Radnor Bridge appears to be gaining momentum. At a time when our society finds itself politically
beleaguered, it is the vision and energy of loan citizens which have the potential to harnesses big thinking
and to make things happen.
We have a number of ideas about what our next steps could be, and which we open up for further debate at
this conference.
The submission of a planning application would focus the council and they would formally have to address
and respond to our proposals. It would also ensure that the debate about the bridge was well and truly in the
public domain.
However, it would be time consuming and expensive to produce the necessary reports and supporting
information required for such a submission, and both Mark and Richard have other demands on their time.
Finance, like for so many other good ideas, will be the major hurdle to overcome. But once again, new
technology could unlock the potential. For example, we would like to investigate the possibility of crowd
funding or other more innovative ways of raising the capital needed to make the dream a reality.
Mark and Richard would welcome the opportunity to enter into dialogue and debate with anyone who wishes
to contact them, and to ensure that the story continues. And that maybe it can become more than just an
aspirational vision for their part of London.
4. References
[1] London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (LBRuT), “The Future of Twickenham”. Barefoot
Consultation. Public Forum 22-24 July 2010
[2] Thames Landscape Strategy Review of the 1994 Report: Stakeholder Consultation Paper. November
2009 / March 2010. The Thames Landscape Strategy [Hampton to Kew].
[3] Richmond and Twickenham Times. “Architect needs help for ‘majestic bridge’ plans”. 27 March 2015
[4] Ham and Petersham Neighbourhood Forum, “Ham and Petersham Neighbourhood Plan, Pre-
submission version”, 13 December 2016.
[5] LBRuT, Village Plan for the Strawberry Hill area, Updated: 20 March 2017
http://richmond.gov.uk/home/my_richmond/village_plans/strawberry_hill_area_village_plan_xx/strawberry_hil
l_area_village_plan.htm
In addition, we have reviewed the following policies from London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
(LBRuT) in preparing our paper.
LBRuT, “Local Development Framework [LDF] Core Strategy. Spatial Strategy Summary [selected].” Open
spaces, biodiversity and the historic environment will be protected and enhanced. Draft 2010.
LBRuT “Twickenham Town Centre Action Plan 2010-11” [historic]. Objective [2] To make access
improvements to the town centre for the benefit of all users. 2010.
The Thames Landscape Strategy [Hampton to Kew]. Policy Items 7.2 / 7.3 / 7.5
Project Proposals [taken from the 1994 report].
• Project 7.1 Work with the Friends of Radnor Gardens and LBRuT to improve layout, seating, safety,
performance spaces, screening from the road and views to the river and surrounding features of their
park. Consider constructing a landing stage for river access.
• Project 7.2 Conduct a detailed ecological audit and consult with local residents to decide whether it
is appropriate to proceed with the re-instatement of the main east / west Ham Avenue, visually linking
Richmond Hill with Radnor Gardens, and if so how this might best be achieved.