Planning Developments in the Herne Hill Area
Herne Hill Junction Regeneration: August 2010
Stains on Paving
The actions of some thoughtless and/or selfish people in disposing of liquids such as engine oil and waste cooking oil has led to ugly and unsightly staining of the paving in Railton Road. Lambeth are investigating a product called ‘GumStop’. This is a chewing gum and stain repellent specially designed for paving slabs, brickwork etc. The makers claim that their product will provide a non-slip seal and protect against staining for up to five years. Southwark will soon be trialling this product and Lambeth will be monitoring the trial before making any decision on whether or not ‘GumStop will provide the answer to the problems in Railton Road.
Damage to Paving
There has been some damage to the Yorkstone paving slabs around the Park entrance and on the pedestrian island. This was caused by heavy vehicles entering and leaving the Park before and after the Lambeth Country Show. The damage was made worse because many drivers ignored the designated route across the island, even though there were marshals present to show them where to go and Lambeth had positioned bollards to mark the route. Lambeth will be repairing the damage to the paving. And to avoid similar occurrences in the future, they will be installing four ‘Plantlocks’ along the right-hand side of the HGV access across the island, to prevent HGVs straying off the designated route.
Planting
The dry weather has meant that plans for planting shrubs around the trees have had to be put on hold. But the work should be done in September or October, subject to weather conditions. The remaining areas inside the Park that are still to be grassed over will be completed by the end of August, again subject to more favourable weather.
Park Railings
We’ve been waiting for some time now for the sections along Dulwich Road to be completed. Things have been held up since the company contracted to refurbish the old railings and to produce some new panels went into liquidation. Lambeth are currently exploring alternative installation options
Herne Hill Junction Regeneration: July 2010
It has taken rather longer than we anticipated when construction started towards the end of last year. But, with the exception of Brockwell Passage – see below – almost all the main works are completed and the Junction is functioning well for pedestrians, cyclists and buses.
See these 'before and after' shots. And not only has it stopped raining, but there's more places to sit when the sun comes out.
Work still to be done includes:
- The railings along the Brockwell Park boundary – the suppliers have been late in delivering refurbished and new panels and erecting the remaining panels has been delayed because of the Country Show.
- It’s looking likely that Southwark will agree to use Yorkstone paving for the project to upgrade the Norwood Road shopping parade, to match the paving used on the Lambeth side.
- Traffic signal sequencing still has to be optimised. This should help significantly reduce any continuing traffic delays and pedestrian crossing waiting times.
- Bonded gravel will soon be laid on the footways in front of the shops in Railton Road and Dulwich Road; and around the two smaller trees on the pedestrian island (shrubs will be planted round the other two trees).
- Eight more trees will be planted in Railton Road.
- Lambeth is being urged to move the surveillance camera in Railton Road to a position from which it can view the whole of the road between the station and Junction.
- There will be additional cycle parking in Half Moon Lane. Hopefully Southwark will agree to replace the cycle racks on the south side of Half Moon Lane with the same design as the much more attractive ones used on the Lambeth side.
- Lambeth will be sealing the Yorkstone paving. Unfortunately the actions of some selfish people have caused unsightly staining on the new paving, seriously spoiling the appearance of the area.
- There have been reports of people crossing the Junction roads who have tripped over the low kerbs on the central reservations. Of course this would not happen if they followed the correct route. However, Lambeth will be laying coloured and non-slip surfaces, better to distinguish where people should cross.
Once the whole project is up and running, Lambeth will be carrying out a safety audit of the area. Transport for London will also be doing an assessment of the Junction functionality – but so far it seems to be working well, even before the traffic signals have been optimised.
Upgrading Brockwell Passage
Brockwell Passage provides an important connection between the station and buses in Dulwich Road. However, it does not provide a very attractive route for pedestrians. The plan is therefore to widen the passage by some 1.5 metres to provide a much more pleasant experience. Lambeth has been negotiating with the landowners and has recently submitted a planning application and are seeking tenders for widening the passage. In addition, Lambeth plan to issue a Traffic Management Order to pedestrianise the whole of the passage (at present vehicles are permitted to use the southern end.
What do people think?
At the Lambeth Country Show, we asked visitors to the Society’s stall to tell us what they thought of the new Junction. Here’s a sample of some of the comments received:
- The new junction layout works superbly, a triumph.
- Wonderful. A triumph of your vision. I don’t know what all the fuss was about. A vindication of your campaign.
- As a driver through the region I think it is very positive for the area.
- Consider the new regenerated junction to be full of only positives. Safer, cleaner, and pedestrianised. Hope many more see the benefits.
- I live in Rymer Street. I am extremely grateful for the new improvement to Herne Hill Junction because it has improved the quality of life for the whole family with less noise and safer roads.
- This new road scheme has certainly improved the feel of the area. So nice to have a more tranquil area outside the station where it is now semi-pedestrianised.
What's the Background? Tell me the Facts
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