Plan Submitted for Local Waterside Heritage Trail
Brentford Voice wants to install panels in eight significant locations
A suggested location for the information panel in Market Place. Picture: Brentford Voice
Permission is being sought by Brentford Voice for the installation of a series of information panels across the area to highlight important points of local heritage.
The eight heritage interpretation panels would celebrate significant places, events, and people in the area'srich history. All of these boards would be linked, via a common theme, to form the Brentford Waterside Heritage Trail.
The geographical area of the project extends from Kew Bridge west to Brentford Bridge, taking in sites at the Market Place and St. Paul’s Recreation Ground. The interpretive panels will be linked by a common theme and design.
Brentford Voice say in a statement accompanying its proposal, “The fundamental reason for our project is that Brentford must retain, cherish and explain its social, economic, and built heritage. Our surveys have shown that the community regards the waterside as by far the most significant 'cultural cornerstone' of Brentford. “
The proposed interpretive panels are of very modest size and none would be illuminated. By seeking to interpret some of the social and economic history at each site, Brentford Voice says that the panels will significantly enhance the community’s and visitors understanding of the town.
The first panel in the trail would be by the Grade II listed Kew Bridge next to the Thames Path. Then the trail will continue with two panels in Watermans Park and may include references to Brentford Ait – history and Brentford Gas Works.
The path then proceeds to Ferry Wharf where the panel would inform people about the history of the Brentford to Kew ferry. Then a panel at the corner of Timber Wharf Walk and Point Wharf Lane would explain more about the history of Brentford Docks and boatbuilding in the area. The next in the series would be at the Ham would cover Ham Wharf, the railway to Brentford Dock and the Augustus Close bridge.
Councillor Guy Lambert next to the planned Ferry Wharf panel. Picture: Brentford Voice
At this point the trail goes into the centre of Brentford with a panel facing the former Magistrates Court at Market Place before proceeding to the eighth and final display at St. Paul’s Recreation Ground.
The aim would be to sensitively place all the panels, many of which would be in conservation areas, in a way which did not adversely impact the setting of heritage assets and strategic or local views.
Brentford Voice has consulted with a wide range of local individuals and organisations about the proposal including individual members the local community, local Borough Councillors, the Friends of Watermans Park, and the Canal & River Trust.
It has also worked closely with Hounslow Highways and with Hounslow Parks and Recreation department and gained support for its proposals from the freeholders of three of the sites - Fairview New Homes (Timber Wharf Walk), Ferry Quays Management Company (Ferry Wharf), and St. George/Berkeley Homes (Kew Bridge).
Hounslow Council’s system reference for the planning application is P/2022/0190.
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February 4, 2022