Kingston Council has rejected a proposal for a footbridge spanning the River Thames from Surbiton to Bushy Park. The decision came during the Place Committee meeting on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, where councillors cited a lack of strategic justification and the significant resources required for the project.
The petition, which garnered 907 signatures, proposed that the footbridge would enhance connectivity, boost the local economy, increase property values, improve the environment, and benefit public health. It argued that a direct route would address the inconvenience of current routes to Bushy Park and Hampton Court.
However, the council report Petition on Proposed Footbridge over River Thames - FINAL.pdf stated that the council does not support the proposal, primarily due to the fact that there is no strategic justification for the allocation of the significant resource and funding necessary to pursue such an endeavour.
The report also noted existing sustainable travel options, including train and bus routes, already serve the area.
The report further highlighted the complexities of constructing a bridge spanning approximately 100 meters of open water with a clearance height of 7 meters. Such a structure would have a significant visual impact
and require Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant ramps and steps, causing disruption to existing pathways and roads. The estimated cost, potentially exceeding £20 million, was also a major factor in the decision. The proposal was not included in the draft Local Plan or Infrastructure Delivery Plan.
Other key items discussed at the Place Committee meeting included a motion opposing a third runway at Heathrow Airport, the implementation of habitat banks, energy conservation measures for council buildings, redevelopment of the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station, and the award of a Leisure Management Operator Services Contract. The Public reports pack Tuesday 24-Jun-2025 19.30 Place Committee.pdf contains the full reports pack that was provided to the attendees for the meeting.