Aquadrome

The Aquadrome Bridge

Official name: The Aquadrome Bridge

Message from the Aquadrome Steering Group after RDRA we raised concerns about lack of communication

The Three Rivers website has lots of information on the status of the bridge along with some exciting drone footage and press releases. We are pleased to have also been given space in MyRicky since December and we have a featured article in the monthly magazine which provided an update on the project. So please watch out for that.

General overview of the project:

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/leisure-parks-culture/rickmansworth-aquadrome-project

The story so far – an insight into the funding of the project:

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/leisure-parks-culture/rickmansworth-aquadrome-project#The%20story%20so%20far

Frequently asked questions:

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/leisure-parks-culture/rickmansworth-aquadrome-project#Frequently%20asked%20questions%20(FAQs)

By Ash Pattni, ago

Riverside Path still closed

Message received 3rd May, 2025 – via email.

I wonder if the the association has either news or views on the closure of the riverside path at the Aquadrome? I have not seen any coverage of this on the e-new bulletins and this situation has been going on for the best part of 15 months.

Initially there was no information about why this decision had been taken. Subsequent enquiries to the responsible officer (Emma Sheridan) tell us it is H&S issues as the path has been rendered unsafe due the persistent floods. It is as you should be aware a wetland site and by its nature it floods because it part of the floodplain, so it was always the case although recent wet winters have not helped matters. Decisions as the what repairs and when it will be reopened are dependent on the outcome of independently commissioned 3rd party hydrology surveys (by the EA), and subsequent investigation work by 3RDC before a new safe pathway specification can be formulated. As matters stand the current impasse could persists for months and years.

On the face of it the decsion to close the path is reasonable and proportionate, but as many other residents will testify the current state of riverside path is no worse and arguably better that most of the other footpaths around the aquadrome site. Put simply if it is justified to close this path on H&S grounds the other paths should be closed too. They are not and there are no plans to do. No one doubts 3RDC’s competence to act to protect residents but the evidence on the ground does not match or justify what we are being told. Many individuals have explained this to 3RDC which remains steadfast in its stance. Questions have been raised in Open Council meetings and there is at least 1 expensively petition doing the rounds. What is anything is RDRA’s position on this please?

RDRA response:

Thank you for your email via our website. I fully agree with your comments about the riverside path in the Aquadrome.Unfortunately, there are no updates from TRDC regarding the completion of the hydrological survey or when the path will reopen.

The longer it stays closed, the higher the reopening costs will be. It appears that the council is not keeping residents like us informed.

I’m unsure how residents can get the council to communicate and engage with us. I welcome any suggestions you may have.

By Ash Pattni, ago
CGI of new Aquadrome bridge

Name the New Aquadrome Pedestrian Bridge. Deadline 28th March

Three Rivers are asking residents and visitors for their comments on each of the five names shortlisted below. Final decision on the bridge name will be made later this year.

The proposed names are:

  • Ann Shaw Bridge
  • Aquadrome Bridge
  • Colne View Bridge
  • Ebury Bridge
  • Harry Walker Bridge

Each suggested name has a description explaining its link to Rickmansworth. The survey will run until Friday 28 March.

https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/news/aquadrome-bridge-name

By Ash Pattni, ago

Bridge Replacement on 15-16 March & other Aquadrome Enhancements

Aquadrome Pedestrian Bridge Replacement.

The old Aquadrome pedestrian bridge off Riverside Drive, next to the playground, is being replaced for a new gateway to the nature reserve. Three Rivers District Council’s contractor, Beaver Bridges, successfully disassembled the bridge last month and the new bridge will be installed on 15th and 16th March. Expect single lane traffic management during this time.

The Aquadrome remains open via the car park, towpath by the canal, or by following the established diversion signage.

The new bridge, funded largely by developer contributions, will be 48.6m in length and 3m wide – double in width than the old bridge to allow pedestrians, wheelchairs, buggies and cyclists to pass each other safely and encourage sustainable travel. The surrounding area will also be attractively landscaped to provide a great view of Batchworth Lake.

Fishing swim enhancements:

Enhancement work on the fishing swims started last month on Batchworth Lake. Three Rivers District Council’s contractor, AquaMaintain will be working on the site until Monday 31 March. The plans, which have been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, have been developed in consultation with the local fishing club and Countryside Management Services.

The Story so far:

Earlier in the year we reported the conclusion of the Lottery fund bid ‘Identify, Inform, Involve’ – Natural Heritage Networks project successes.  Our Evaluation report and digital brochure documenting the community programme are now hosted on the council’s website. We are pleased to share these with you and hope that you enjoy looking through the two documents: Natural Heritage Networks Evaluation Report and Aquadrome 2024 Activity Highlights.

Please visit Rickmansworth Aquadrome Digital Brochures.

It’s an exciting time at the Aquadrome and we thank you for your continued support. 

By Ash Pattni, ago

Aquadrome Bridge near playground closed from 20th January until Easter

Message from Three Rivers District Council

I am pleased to inform you that we will be commencing the replacement of the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Bridge off Riverside Drive. Planned works will begin from Monday 20 January until Easter. During this time, the bridge and Ebury Play Area will be closed to the public to allow the work to be completed safely.

Pedestrians can still access Rickmansworth Aquadrome and town centre during the works. The established diversion route will be in place with on-site signage.

We’ve been working with our contractor, Beaver Bridges, and local agencies, including the Environment Agency and Hertfordshire Highways, to ensure they are aware of the works and happy with how they will be carried out and that we comply with all necessary legislation, we are only now able to confirm the dates.

Our Communications team have a planned programme including social media posts and a recent press release on the council website to notify the public with further details.

This is an exciting part of the overall project, and we look forward to bringing you a superb new bridge and nature focused play area soon.

For more details on the work please visit: 
https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/news/rickmansworth-aquadrome-bridge-closure-replaced

By Ash Pattni, ago

January 100+ Club winners drawn

It was a bright and beautiful day for the next RDRA 100+ Club prize draw, held at the Cafe in the Park in Rickmansworth on Friday 26th January. We had a delicious lunch and marvelled at how busy the place was – the Aquadrome really is the heart of Rickmansworth! As per the last draw, we used a Random Number Generator to draw the winners and they will be contacted very soon – congratulations to them!

The RDRA 100+ Club raises funds for good causes in Rickmansworth to make it a better place to live in.

Click here to join the RDRA 100+ Club

If you have not renewed your RDRA membership yet, join the RDRA 100+ Club and be a member of both!

“…be in it to win it!” says Andrea Clark, first prize winner of £150 last month.

100+ Club prize draw held at Cafe in the Park, Rickmansworth
Ash and Anne use a Random Number Generator to draw winners
By Ash Pattni, ago

Ricky Festival halted after 30 years

A message from David Montague, Chairman and Festival Director of Rickmansworth Waterways Trust and a former RDRA Committee Member, who appeared on television regarding this topic

Representatives from the Rickmansworth Festival Team attended a meeting hosted by Three Rivers District Council just before Christmas regarding the recent implementation of an Asbestos Management Plan for the Aquadrome.

The plan has designated the Aquadrome as a no dig zone and so nothing can penetrate the ground on the site. This includes digging, raking, staking or any activity which could erode or expose anything below the ground surface. It would preclude the use of stakes for fixing marquees or gazebos, and any vehicle movements on the grassed areas of the site would also be a concern. Any hirer of the ground would also need to pay for appropriate monitoring before and after the event at a cost of between £5000 and £8000 per day for two days of monitoring (a total of £10 – £16k).

Representatives from the Rickmansworth Festival Team attended a meeting hosted by Three Rivers District Council just before Christmas regarding the recent implementation of an Asbestos Management Plan for the Aquadrome.

Whilst it is possible to fix structures in place with weights or large water barrels this is really suited for working on a hard site when lifting vehicles can be used and access is not compromised by soft ground. Our Festival site manager has confirmed that whilst anything is possible the costs and extra labour required would go up significantly if we considered this possible to do on the site.  There may also be other requirements such as ensuring all contractors were trained.

Therefore I am afraid Rickmansworth Waterways Trust has had no choice but to make the difficult decision to cancel the event for 2024 and no Festival will be possible with these requirements in place.

TRDC stated that they were happy for the Festival to go ahead as long as the conditions of the management plan could be met. However the reality is that the management plan makes it impossible for a non commercial, volunteer led Festival to proceed with an event that uses the Aquadrome.

This is a really sad day for our community and I feel for all the other charities, community organisations and small businesses that have lost an opportunity to promote themselves. Thank you for all your help over many years since our very first event in 1993 and for contributing towards a great event. It will be sadly missed.

David Montague

Click here for the site investigation report

By Ash Pattni, ago

Aquadrome a ‘no dig’ zone

Message received Jan 3, 2024 – via Email

Is the Association aware of the council’s decision to make the Aquadrome a ‘no dig’ zone, due to apparent (and, if justified, very belated) concerns about asbestos in the ground?This has already forced the cancellation of this year’s Rickmansworth Festival, with a significant impact on the finances of the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust. It would also seem to imply severe restrictions on other uses of the Aquadrome.The councillors I’ve spoken with were not aware of the council’s decision until it had already been made public, which makes it sound like it was taken without proper consultation or consideration.Does the RDRA have any views on this? And, if so, will we be asking the council to review/explain their decision, in the light of its emerging consequences.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for your email of 3rd Jan. My apologies for the delayed response. As you can imagine this came as a shock to all of us and the last thing to do would be to give a ‘knee jerk reaction’. Of course we are all bitterly disappointed that this much cherished Ricky community event is now not happening. Now we have more information at hand, we are able to formulate a view and response. There’s nothing at this stage that anyone can do to save this year’s festival. TRDC and ALL our Councillors know our feelings. It’s an unmitigated disaster and a massive own goal in PR terms. There’s a meeting on the 31st at the RWT, Batchworth Lock which will be on Zoom. (Details from RWT to follow.) We will hopefully find out what happens next and if we are able to save the festival from 2025 onwards.

Click here for the site investigation report

By Ash Pattni, ago