There are some interesting new plans on the table…
A bridge too far
Hammersmith Bridge, way out in west London, is perhaps one of the most beautiful Thames crossings but has been closed to anything other than pedestrians and cyclists since 2019.
The current bridge was designed by famous civil engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette and opened with much pomp and ceremony by the Prince of Wales on June 11, 1887. It is a suspension bridge and is Grade II* listed, meaning any alterations or changes are very tricky.
Spanning some 210 metres, this beautiful construction links Hammersmith to Barnes and there are some astonishingly elegant homes on both sides. The Georgian houses on the Hammersmith and Chiswick embankment are some of the finest properties of this type in London but are also prone to severe flooding in spring tides as the Thames remains very tidal, even this far away from the sea.
Cracks were discovered in the pedestals of the bridge and, for safety reasons, it was closed from April 2019. Some work has been ongoing ever since, but it remains unsafe to reopen. The traffic in London is, of course, never easy and losing one vehicle crossing has certainly not helped congestion in these leafy western suburbs of the UK capital. To an extent, Londoners have simply adapted, as they usually do, to the new reality, however, there are some interesting new plans on the table.
Design studio Sybarite, working with structural engineers Buro Happold have come up with a spectacular design, which would see what can only be described as a huge ‘ring road’ with two semi-circular carriageways reaching out around each side of the existing structure. These are called ‘ribbons’ and would be for vehicle use in each direction. Under the plans, the existing structure would remain the domain of cyclists and pedestrians.
Co-founder of Sybarite, Torquil McIntosh, commented on the plans his company has drawn up: “London’s bridges are powerful symbols of our city’s identity. My vision for Hammersmith Bridge is both deeply rooted in its historic legacy and boldly focused on the future – transforming it into a catalyst for wider regeneration. As both a resident and business owner, I see firsthand the urgent need to restore this vital gateway. The time to act is now – we must invest in its revival and unlock the full potential of the surrounding area through strategic urban renewal.”
Hammersmith and Fulham Council have poured scorn on the idea and undoubtedly owners of the multi-million-pound houses in the area may not be too keen, but it is at least a solution to a very real problem in the area. Watch this space!
Still messing about on the river
A little further down river, a ship that rescued troops from Dunkirk in World War 2 is planning to open to the public.
HMS Wellington is moored at Victoria Embankment, near Temple Stairs. This incredible ship saw action in the Atlantic where it protected merchant ships carrying vital supplies across the ocean. It is 81 metres long, weighs in at some 1,200 tons and was built in 1934 as a Grimsby-class Sloop.
A serious renovation project of the ship commenced in April 2023 and is nearing completion. The project has been supported by a massive grant of £225,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The intention is that the vessel will become a tourist attraction but will also be a multi-purpose venue. It will be possible to hire HMS Wellington for private events and it is envisaged that it will be popular for filming and entertainment events. There will be exhibitions and immersive displays explaining the ship’s glorious history and this is sure to be a firm new favourite sight for children.
Meanwhile, another new maritime adventure awaits the intrepid tourist! In Camden High Street, north London, ‘Titanic – Echoes from the Past’ has opened to much acclaim. This virtual reality experience invites people to “Embark on an extraordinary underwater adventure to relive and rediscover the Titanic”.
Years of research have gone into this ambitious project that allows visitors to travel back in time and board the famous vessel for its maiden voyage. Metro said: “The almost dizzying experience is made more real by surround sound on the VR headset”; and Hello magazine said: “You will bounce from awe to surprise, but the sympathetic way the story is told will leave you marvelling at the Titanic’s story.”
Is Guinness really good for you?
Well, the advertising always used to claim that it was! The Princess of Wales certainly seemed to enjoy a glass of the dark stuff when she visited the Irish Guards to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and mark the regiment’s 125th anniversary.
A parade took place at Wellington Barracks, near Buckingham Palace, and Kate was dressed in a bottle-green coat and percher hat as she joined the regiment’s traditional march past after also presenting long service and good conduct medals.
St Patrick’s Day was cold in London, but this did not deter huge numbers of onlookers for the traditional event.
There are some 170,000 Irish expats living in London so the March 17 celebrations abound. The traditional Mayor of London’s St Patrick’s Day Festival took place this year on Sunday, March 16, with a parade from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall, via St James’s Street, Pall Mall and Cockspur Street.
Other events included a walking tour which clearly involved more drinking of that dark beer, special celebrations at Waxy O’Connor’s famous Soho locations and drinking events across the city. Sore heads all around for the start of the week there then!
Turning heads
Your columnist was privileged to be invited to the West End premiere of Twiggy. This biopic, following the astonishing life of the world’s first supermodel, has been years in the making and the final cinema release is simply astounding.
Regular readers will recall the British Film Festival launch which took place last year, but the final cut is really very good. Sadie Frost directs and the stars certainly came out for this incredible production. Dustin Hoffman, Zandra Rhodes, Stella McCartney, Ben Elton and many other were at the premiere and the film really has an A-list feel about it.
