pedestrian

Message from the Aquadrome Steering Group

The Pedestrian Bridge:

I am so pleased to let you know that the new pedestrian bridge is complete and is now open. The diversion routes have been removed, and visitors can enjoy walking over the attractive bridge into the Nature Reserve.

This has been a challenging project, and we are happy to have opened the bridge for the public to enjoy, however the opening of Ebury Way Play Area will now take place later than hoped and is now scheduled for this coming autumn owing to the discovery of Japanese Knotweed on site.

Following a public vote through the Councils ‘Have Your Say’ digital platform, the bridge has been named ‘The Aquadrome Bridge’.

The bridges completion and naming will be formally celebrated in late June with the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire attending to cut the ribbon!

Summary of recent work:

This has been a busy period and is marked with the completion of the pedestrian bridge, the upgrade of 21 Fishing Swims, creation of 6 Back to Nature sites, use of the new branding and the construction of a bird viewing platform.

Below are ‘before and after’ photos of some of these projects as the change and the improvements are great to see.

Key milestones of the construction of Aquadrome Bridge

What’s Next:

We await the decision from the National Lottery Heritage fund for a Development bid. If successful, this will provide a grant of £787,315 which will enable us to develop:

  • A Landscape and Environmental Design Master Plan for the entire site
  • Increase our Public and Stake holder engagement
  • Complete all surveys of the site including the Hydrological Study (still awaiting the updated flood modelling from the Environment Agency, who have now given an updated timescale of July)

The work in the Development phase will inform us about the requirements needed when we submit a Delivery phase bid to the National Lottery. This bid is currently estimated at £5.5m and will focus on Nature Recovery and Visitor Experience.

During these phases of work, we will look to utilise the HS2 Colne Valley Additional Mitigation Plan (AMP) funding of £510,463 which we received last year. This money has been used as match funding to help leverage the National Lottery funding bid. The work allocated under this budget includes improved paths, habitat enhancements and a new boardwalk.

I am looking to arrange a meeting for the Steering Group in late September as we will be able to discuss the outcomes of the National Lottery bid at that point and the plan moving forward. Though I will keep you updated by email with any news we receive about our Development bid.

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

Pedestrian information

Message received Feb 21, 2024 – via Contact us form

Following on from facebook post of an accident on 21/2 . I can provide further information. It was 06:30 dark & the pedestrian was in dark clothes and could not be see.

RDRA response:

Many thanks for letting us know about the accident on the Batchworth bridge crossing at 6:30am today. Do you have any photos of the incident that we can share with our councillors to make them aware of the incident. We have been pressing the council to make this bridge crossing safe with better lighting generally and also install a pedestrian crossing lights. We appreciate your assistance.

By Ash Pattni, ago