Plan to ‘Green’ Ham Parade promises trees, flower beds and wider pavements

By Rory Poulter 9th Jun 2023

Residents are being asked for their views on plans to 'Green' Ham Parade.

Two options have been drawn up by Council planners that envisage bringing in trees and planting, along with new seating, while creating an attractive setting for the Saturday market.

Ham Parade as it is today (Credit Google Maps/Streetview)

The move is part of a wider effort by the Council to improve the borough's High Streets, making them places which residents enjoy visiting on foot and bike rather than getting in a car and going further afield.

The scheme will include wider pavements, so making the area much more attractive to visit for those on foot, bike and public transport, while the trade-off will be a reduction in the number of parking spaces from 41 to 30.

The policy follows widespread consultation with residents under the heading of the Community Conversation.

Cllr Phil Giesler, the Council's Lead Member for Business and Growth, said: "The Community Conversation gave us insightful, creative and valuable feedback and ideas.

"Because of those events and the residents of Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside Ward who came along and got involved, we have been able to fast-track this scheme as part of our public realm improvement programme."

Residents are being asked to comment on two design options, both of which will refurbish the east side of Ham Parade.

Both options would see the closure of the north-south section of the slip road on the east side of Ham Parade. The diagonal portion in front of the Ham Food Centre would be retained with a new access from Richmond Road.

Option 1 would have rectangular planted areas with trees, benches and space for 17 market stalls

Option 1

Includes several larger rectangular so-called rain gardens, which would include planting, a tree and bench. The layout would create plots for 17 market stalls.

Option 2