A green walkway connecting river, art and community

The View at Barnes Bridge

London, England

2022 — ongoing

Client: The View at Barnes Bridge

Infrastructure · Foot & Cycle

Barnes Bridge spans the Thames between Barnes and Chiswick, carrying rail traffic with a narrow footway on its downstream side. Built in 1849, the original Grade II listed cast iron twin bridge served trains for less than 50 years before the material was deemed structurally unsound for this purpose. In 1895, the downstream spans were replaced with a modern steel truss bridge, still in use today, while the upstream structure has remained unused.

A modern pedestrian bridge with curved metal arches spans over a calm river. People are walking and cycling on the bridge, which has green planters along the sides. The water reflects the structure and surrounding greenery.

Bridge over a river with surrounding parks and residential area, sketch-like style, architecture by MOXON Architects.

A series of urban planning diagrams showing transportation and land use designs, with an emphasis on pathways, green areas, and infrastructure, architecture by MOXON Architects.

The project is focused on improving access to the westbound platform at Barnes Bridge Station; repurposing the historic bridge spans as a dedicated pedestrian route; and forming a new urban green space that engages with the river, surrounding woodlands, and upstream views.

A peaceful riverside walkway with people casually strolling. A modern bridge with an arched structure is on the right, and lush greenery lines the path. The calm river mirrors the trees against a clear sky.

A scenic path lined with blooming wildflowers leads to a metal arch bridge under a clear sky. Trees and a signal post are visible in the background, enhancing the serene, pastoral setting.

A serene river scene with a historical-looking arched bridge reflecting in calm water. The sky is dotted with soft clouds, and lush trees line the riverbanks, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Conceived by local residents united with a passion to see this historic structure restored to community use, ‘The View’ will transform the disused rail bridge into a public amenity. The scheme will give visitors and locals a chance to enjoy a unique communal space over the River Thames. The existing structure will be carefully restored and supplemented with sympathetic landscaping and street furniture.

A modern arched bridge with green spaces and people walking on it, set against a backdrop of trees. The street below has a cyclist and pedestrians. A blurred car passes by, suggesting movement. The scene is bathed in soft daylight.

Floor plan and section drawings of a seating area with two people, featuring planters and seating, architecture by MOXON Architects.

Diagram of layered architectural plan with varying profiles and green shaded areas, representing a landscape or roof design by MOXON Architects.

The new linear park will extend in both directions to complete a green corridor over the river. It will connect with existing and proposed routes including the soon to be completed Dukes Meadow Footbridge to the north.

The southern approach path will serve the dual function of step free access to the existing station platform. This functional aspect of the scheme will be integrated within the existing woodland setting, opening up both the station and new park to all users. Moxon are delighted to support the team in realising their original vision.