| Topic: | Re:Thames Tunnel | |
| Posted by: | Bill Christie | |
| Date/Time: | 08/10/10 13:42:00 |
| Putney Bridge Foreshore I'll leave others to comment upon Barn Elms, and the 7 year disruption. What concerns me is the appearance of Putney Bridge Foreshore, in 10 years time and 100 years time. I have seen the presentation by Thames Water. What we are all being shown is an artist's impression of a sunny little plaza with an unobtrusive bronze tower set amidst a row of trees. I don't doubt that Thames Water's intentions are to do the right thing. However, what concerns me is the level of creativity that will be brought to bear in order to ensure that the new quay/slipway is a beautiful addition to the face of Putney for generations to come, and the care in selecting materials that will age well. The Victorians were much better at this than our generation has been. We are beset by short-termism. For example, those of us that have lived in this area for a while will remember the ghastly multi-coloured concrete mini-tile pavements installed by Wandsworth Council twenty years ago, which have either been replaced already, or now look disgusting. Smarter, (or is it wealthier?), parts of London replaced broken Yorkstone slabs with real stone slabs (imported from India, I think), that resemble Yorkstone and are ageing beautifully, and probably, because they'll last for 100 years, will be cheaper in the long run. Thames Water will be under pressure to use modern (short-term) materials for reasons of cost, and may wish to use issues (such as Health & Safety), as an excuse to use these easy materials. (Non-slip concrete slabs, for example). My main suggestions are :- The lovely old stone cobbles of the existing slipway should be incorporated into the new Foreshore Space. New stone that complements these should be used elsewhere in this space. A competition should be launched to come up with a 'cover' for the 10 m. high exhaust pipe, and kiosk. Ideas could include a Clock tower, a homage to the Boat Race, a homage to the Putney Debates, or a work by an artist such as Anthony Gormley. (Putney Man, about half the height of the Angel of the North ??, that kind of thing.). I am not suggesting that Thames Water would pay for a Gormley!! They would pay some of it. Lottery money could be applied for, or we have 7 years to raise the necessary additional funds locally. But if we simply settle for a 'Municipal' job, on a current budget, designed by competent but uninspired engineers and landscapers, in basic materials, Putney will be downgraded. |