What about the bridge over the canal and route through Kensal Green Cemetery?
Initially there was a proposal to provide a direct route from the development to Kensal Green Station with a bridge over the canal and a path through Kensal Green Cemetery. Some of the suggestions made showed imagination rather than practicality.
It was considered that such a link would help increase the viability of the scheme by reducing travel time to public transport. Ballymore indicated at an early stage that they were not interested. The southern end of the bridge was positioned in the St William site as it would be of most benefit to them.
However, considerations of cost, security and the fact the RBKC indicated that it would provide no advantage in their assessment of the proposal has led to the idea being abandoned. In addition, the General Cemetery Company, which manages the cemetery has stated that a the opening hours of the cemetery would not change, which renders such a route of little benefit to commuters.
While there is some support for the idea of the bridge providing another entrance to the cemetery, it is understood that it is not included in the current plans.
What about the bridge over the railway to the south of the site?
There is a proposal to build a bridge over the railway to allow access through the residential area south of the railway and to Barlby Road. Some people think that is intended as a road bridge, and, indeed, that was shown in a set of ideas for the site from RBKC dated 2012. However, more recently it was intended just to carry pedestrians and cyclists.
Assessment of routes using such a bridge has shown that it would make little difference to journey time or distance for most users. It would be quite expensive.
The current proposals leave a space for adding it in future, but it is not included. There seems little enthusiasm for it from either Ballymore of RBKC.
Why is Canalside House included?
Canalside House is owned by RBKC and, together with the adjacent Boathouse Centre, houses a number of charities, community facilities and some flats.
RBKC have taken the decision to permit Ballymore to include that area in the overall scheme and Ballymore propose demolition. Their intention is to create a public park at the entrance to the site.
Ballymore and RBKC have pledged to provide alternative accommodation for all occupants, initially on an interim basis, then in new buildings in the development.