An abandoned bridge across the River Thames could soon be transformed into a walkway covered in plants after it has gone unused for more than 125 years.

Work to bring the ambitious plans for Barnes Bridge to life is underway and have been in the pipeline for nine years.

Moxon Architects has been appointed to redesign the Grade II listed bridge so it can open to the public.

CGI of the plans for Barnes Bridge. Credit: Moxon Architects.

The team behind the project has launched an official website for the plans – now named The View at Barnes Bridge – which aim to turn the bridge into a "new art and garden space" connecting Barnes and Chiswick.

The website says the converted bridge would open up new views of the Thames and even an "unbeatable viewing position" for the famous Oxford-Cambridge boat race.

The disused bridge between Barnes and Chiswick opened to rail traffic in 1849 but has not been used since 1895 after a wider crossing – the new Barnes Bridge – was built next to it.

advertisement

The bridge's rotten timber beams would be removed under the plans while the metal parapet would be replaced with glass or a similar material.

Plants, seating, graphics and lights would be added to the bridge and the Victorian turnstile on the Hounslow side would be restored.

CGI of the plans for Barnes Bridge. Credit: Moxon Architects.

Ramps and stairs are also planned for both sides of the bridge.

Barnes resident and retired engineer Peter Banks first put forward the idea to restore the bridge in 2013.

A group of residents came together around 2015 to take on the project in a bid to give the bridge back to the community and create a new local attraction.

Emma Robinson, town centre manager for Barnes said: "This is a really exciting project that will see a Victorian bridge which has sat idle for over 100 years restored for the community to use.

advertisement

"We in Barnes are in the fortunate position of having a redundant Thames crossing on our doorsteps.

"This stunning bridge has been closed for over a century and now we are hoping to turn it into a beautiful space for residents and visitors to come and relax, to enjoy the river and the views from the bridge.

"We have the support of the councils both sides of the river and have put in place a great team of contractors.

"Now the work starts."

The team is now working to reach formal agreement with Network Rail, who own the bridge, along with Richmond and Hounslow councils before fundraising to carry out the plans.