Tolworth Project Walk and Talk 7 July 2009

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• Tolworth Project Walk and Talk 7 July 2009

Location: Tolworth Tower

1. An introduction by Jay Judge was given and then David West presented some plans and ideas about the project  

2. After teaming off and walking guests around the Broadway to envision the project and its potential these initial thoughts of the project were raised:

• Single crossing route may not be enough
• How to deal with subways
• Crossing roundabout on left side is very dangerous, should be better crossing point than subway.
• Periphery of roundabout, looking at how the space can be used better
• Deterring people from the road (road safety)
• Traffic capacity
• Capacity and knowing which side of the central reservation to widen.
• Alternating this in places
• A pedestrian crossing over roundabout is achievable
• Good to encourage travelling down centre
• Problem is how to get them off at the ends
• Is a 4m wide strip on Kingston Road enough? It is different to the Broadway and should be a more comfortable width.
• Establishing balance of traffic, finding examples of similar roundabouts in London
• Modelling is key success of scheme
• Remove the railings
• Speeds on the Broadway are significant, large hurdle to be crossed
• Crossings can work and tests over time will be required to see whether the central greenway is enough.
• Cycling groups are in favour of a link to Kingston Road cycle lanes, whether it is to jubilee way junction or Tolworth station is unknown.
• North and south of the roundabout currently have different treatments, it should be consistent. Kingston Bridge is a good example.
• Accessing into the central reservation by bicycle, safety an issue, answer must be a mix of signal control
• Getting off and on the greenway should also be considered, stopping and shopping.
• Some issues with pedestrian/cyclist shared paths but with proper design can be handled
• South of roundabout has high number of hgv’s this needs to be considered.
  • Roundabout is currently a barrier
  • Tesco is not a workable proposal
  • Crossings are subject to modelling
  • making sure that widening the central reservation does not effect capacity of traffic
  • keep a handle on cost, TFL has little money
  • Even though Broadway is a shopping street it is also a major link in Kingston where many people don’t even stop here.
  • Needs to be a crossing point outside station.  
  • should be a natural stopping point
  • Kingston road might have capacity issues if we widen the central reservation
  • blockbuster corner needs to allow disabled wheelchairs users
  • structural checks need to be carried out on existing central roundabout structure, don’t effect existing because it will cost too much.
  • OLI end- don’t effect capacity
  • Getting on and off
  • making the greenway flow nicely (not like a runway) don’t let it suddenly stop, must be a slow transition
  • we must work with stakeholders such as the station, bowling alley, even encourage clean up and painting of shop fronts.
• Southwest rail was involved with the Tesco development and they should be included in this project
• Treatment of greenway must be different at north and south ends, Kingston road needs treatment possibly to jubilee way junction
• Message must be visible to users of the Broadway, roundabout, Kinston Road and station. Traffic won’t perceive it differently so it must have an identity.
• There is a sound problem with the A3, there needs to be some kind of sound barrier at bridge, but it must not enclose or “tunnelize” the greenway.
• Residential properties on slip roads are currently at 40mph, perhaps it should be 30mph if the Broadway is to become 20 mph.
• Our Lady Immaculate, shopping does not end there, our plan must consider them and what does or could happen.
• Inviting crossers to use the greenway, subways possibly filled in, allowing better crossings
• Marks and Spencer, different options for Tolworth tower and how it engages with Broadway. Possible infill development, pushing frontage…
• Retain a public space in front of the tower
• Hammersmith Broadway is a similar example for our project.
• Evening study must be carried out on project
• It must be visible and useable at night.
• Please don’t lose any on street parking
• Maintenance must be considered, also on pavements because there is some pooling
• There should be options to consider if the subways are removed.  
• Parking and servicing should be considered in holistic fashion
• A strong palette of materials should be developed
• Raised or level central reservation should be considered. Keeping cars from driving into central reservation
• Getting south people on board
• Visually impaired shared surface problems
• Surbiton project should be used as example
• Safety audits in design, 4m minimum path width.

3. Process / Programme

• What is the next stage?
• These thoughts will be taken into consideration for the concept design
• Team to develop communications plan
• Project Public Announcement
• Public Consultation
• Concept Presentation and MOG sign off

4. Any Other Business