22nd July 2008
New Plans Submitted for Hampton Court Station Site
Based in Richmond for over 92 years, The Royal Star & Garter Charity for disabled ex-Service men and women has over the last few years been developing plans to move on from its Richmond Hill building, which is no longer fit for purpose. After an exhaustive search, the Charity has identified the Hampton Court station site as a perfect location for its new purpose- built care home. The site fulfils all the criteria the Charity would wish to see for its new home, including:
- a flat location suitable for wheelchair access
- close to local amenities
- close to the river bank, with access to a riverside park
- superb transport links for staff, families and visitors via the station, bus, road and cycle links
- within a few miles of the Charity’s Richmond Home, established for 92 years, thereby retaining links with local organisations, supporters and volunteers
A planning application was submitted to Elmbridge Council last October and a public exhibition held to allow local residents and stakeholders full access to the proposals for the site which, as well as the new Royal Star & Garter Home, includes residential provision by Gladedale, the long overdue refurbishment of the station, a tourist centre, and a hotel and public riverside terrace. There has been considerable support for the scheme including unprecedented endorsement from CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) who gave the plans their wholehearted support.
Some concerns, however, centre on the design of the hotel and the landscaping of the riverside terrace. To address this, a second application showing a more classical design for the hotel has been made, along with revisions to the landscape design of the riverfront square. This application will run in tandem with the amended original application and both have been submitted to Elmbridge Council. The development website has visuals of the new proposals and there is an opportunity for everyone to view the revised plans and choose which hotel design they prefer. See www.hamptoncourtstation.co.uk
There are also those who object to any development of the 'Jolly Boatman' site, the area closest to the river, which has been derelict for over 20 years and was highlighted by CABE and voted by Radio 4 listeners in 2003 as 'one of the worst wasted spaces in the country.' Objectors have argued for many years that the site should be landscaped, but no comprehensive funding proposal has ever been put forward, and there is no indication that one ever will.
The site has been part of a built environment of East Molesey for hundreds of years and when one looks from the Hampton Court Palace bank of the river toward the ‘Jolly Boatman' site the current view (forgetting the dereliction) is of the buildings of East Molesey. Furthermore the entire east side of the development (including where the new Royal Star & Garter Home will be) is obscured from view by rows of mature trees in Cigarette Island Park and along the riverbank.
Anthony Hopkins, one of many local residents who would like to see the development go ahead said, "After so many years of having to look at the 'riverside rubbish tip' these plans are an opportunity to move on and look to the future. It will be an opportunity to make the most of the riverside area, benefiting those who enjoy the river, those who use the train and also the many new visitors who will come to the area. Not only will this development be 'great' for East Molesey but it will also be a privilege to welcome the Royal Star & Garter Homes to our community."
Another resident, businesswoman and regular commuter, Liz Overton, commented, "I believe the anti campaigners insistence that the Jolly Boatman site should be totally landscaped is unrealistic. This site has always been built on. The plans will make this area accessible and provide a pleasant riverside space to relax and enjoy as well as create a safer station - much better surely than retaining the current eyesore?"
The Royal Star & Garter Richmond Home's residents, mostly World War 2 veterans in their eighties, are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the planning application which, if approved, will allow them to move to superb, purpose built facilities including large en suite rooms, therapy and function rooms, a bar, and courtyard gardens, in a beautiful location.
Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt, Chairman of The Royal Star & Garter Homes said, "We hope the revised plans for the riverside part of the site can overcome any remaining opposition and we can then build our superb new home in this perfect location. Sadly, if not approved, this site is likely to remain an eyesore for many more years to come. It would be a devastating blow to the Charity's future development plans, as well as a bitter disappointment for our residents, if this planned new home is not granted planning permission."