16 Sep 2014
Foster + Partners-designed home for Queen's Row Barge axed
BY Jak Phillips
Plans by Foster + Partners for a modern boathouse and visitor centre in Twickenham, UK’s, Orleans Park to house the Queen’s Royal Row Barge have been shelved by Richmond Council, following fierce opposition from the public.
Gloriana – the first Royal rowbarge to be built in over 200 years – was specially constructed to serve as a lasting legacy to mark Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Backers of the proposal had hoped it would provide a safe and secure permanent base for the vessel, while also serving as an educational centre outlining the region’s boat-building heritage from centuries gone.
Richmond Council said it became clear that public opinion was against the development, while an online petition showed one signatory branded the proposal a ‘blatant act of vandalism’.
“It is a pity that this beautiful craft, which was conceived on our river, will not find a home here,” said Richmond councillor Pamela Fleming.
"We always acknowledged the significant issues to address on this site, notably in terms of preservation of character, access and the construction period.
“While we believe that with goodwill most, if not all, of those could have been addressed in a pre-planning and planning phase, the controversy that has been aroused does not create the conditions in which that could be done. We have decided therefore to let the matter rest.”
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