CENTRAL barriers would be removed from Tolworth Broadway and replaced with a green walkway under plans to regenerate the area.
The central strip, about four metres at its widest, would run 500 metres from the top of the shopping parade in the north and over the roundabout to Tolworth station in the south.
There would still be traditional crossings but pedestrians would be encouraged to cross where they wanted. The team behind the proposals believe they will help calm traffic and allow walkers and cyclists to reclaim the street, providing a major boost for traders.
David West, of designers Studio Egret West, said: “This will always be a strategic junction with a lot of cars passing through, but we want to change the feel and reduce the dominance of the traffic.
“We believe that allowing people to cross normally where they choose will make cars and buses drive more calmly with a little more respect for people trying to cross.”
The proposals, unveiled on Monday, are based on the results of a questionnaire sent to hundreds of homes and businesses in the area as well as consultation with visitors and commuters.
Residents and traders are being asked to have their say about the scheme before detailed plans are drawn up. If all goes to plan, work could begin in early 2011 and be finished within six months.
The scheme, which will be funded using a £2.1 million grant from Transport for London, is the first phase of plans to regenerate Tolworth Broadway.
Future improvements could see the subway under the roundabout filled in to address fears about public safety, the existing pavements given a facelift and the green walkway extended southwards to link with more open spaces.
The proposals are available to view online at www.kingston.gov.uk/tolworth_project
You can have your say by emailing tolworth.project@rbk.kingston.gov.uk or calling 020 8547 5929.
