Barn Elms Pavillion / Parking Replacement scheme

Overview

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames has been working over a considerable period of time with users and local stakeholders to find a solution to improving the facilities at Barn Elms. A scheme was designed to meet the needs of all parties involved and funding sources were found. This information was then presented to the public and interested parties for consultation.

Consultation event

A public meeting took place on 19 May 2010 from 5pm-8pm at the Barnes Old Sorting Office. Local residents, Councillors, businesses, existing users and anyone with an interest were invited to join. Letters were sent to over 500 residents and neighbouring addresses three weeks in advance. Information was also published on Richmond Council's website.

Local community Group and interested parties

A key neighbour to the site, the London Wetland Centre, was also consulted. Their interest in the plans for the site was directly related to the potential environmental impact of any development work. Telephone contact was made and the draft Phase 1 Habitat and Protected Species report was sent to the resident Ecologist and the General Manager for comment. In addition, representatives from the local community group Barn Elms Sports Trust (formerly Barnes Vision) joined project meetings. These meetings took the role of a steering group throughout the feasibility and design stage of the project.

What happens next

The event was well attended by current users, Councillors, neighbours and people with a general interest in the site. Everyone was encouraged to complete a feedback form. Of the 42 forms completed, 80% were in favour of the proposal and 17% not in favour. The London Wetland Centre also made a favourable response. A collective response to the feedback was made through the Community Involvement Statement (see link below).

What has happened as a result?

In response to comments about the design, the cricket pitches were relocated and enlarged. In response to requests for more facilities to encourage cycling, more cycle racks were incorporated into the design. 

Since the consultation, the following activity has taken place:

- Changes to the design of the pitches were implemented. The relevant investigations were conducted to satisfy the planners' requirements.

- The proposed scheme to provide a new main pavilion building, formal car parking facilities and improved pitches received planning approval.

- The scheme is now at the detailed design stage where issues regarding costs and how the building will function are being finalised. The next stage will involve the procurement of contractors.