HS2 footbridge designer Moxon Architects has revealed plans to turn an abandoned crossing in west London into a park straddling the Thames.

The big-name practice has been given the role of developing a project known as The View, which would see a disused Victorian bridge in Barnes given new purpose.

The ambitious proposals, backed by an influential panel of local residents, are somewhat reminiscent of the doomed Garden Bridge project that was heavily backed by Boris Johnson in his time as mayor of London before being scrapped by his successor Sadiq Khan.

Moxon’s latest plans would see the Grade II listed original Barnes Bridge transformed into a public amenity.

This crossing was completed in 1849 to designs by civil engineer Joseph Locke but taken out of service in 1895 when a replacement bridge, designed by civil engineer Edward Andrews, opened right next to it.

Under the Moxon proposals, the abandoned cast iron structure would be restored, while landscaping and street furniture would be added to its deck.

“The scheme will give visitors and locals a chance to enjoy a unique communal space over the River Thames,” said the practice.

“The new linear park will extend in both directions to complete a green corridor over the river. It will connect with existing and proposed routes including the soon-to-be completed Dukes Meadow Footbridge to the north.”

The southern approach path would give step-free access to Barnes Bridge railway station platforms, the practice added.

Project backers led by resident Peter Banks and Barnes town centre manager Emma Robinson said the project was inspired by High Line schemes in New York and Camden.

“It will connect Barnes in Richmond and Chiswick in Hounslow via a stunningly attractive landscaped green space,” they added.

“It’ll give an unbeatable viewing position on Boat Race day and every rowing event throughout the year as well as a year-round view of the river and the setting sun.”

Works required to deliver the project include repositioning of high voltage cables that power existing rail services; removal of rotten timber beams; and installation of steel decking.

Lighting and an irrigation system for plants would be created along with fencing to protect tracks from leaves.

A metal parapet would be replaced with transparent material while a Victorian turnstile would be retained and restored.

Backers said they were seeking a formal agreement with Network Rail as well as both Hounslow and Richmond councils before starting fund raising for the £3M project. They are targeting an opening date of 2026.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We’re working closely with the Barnes Community Association and Richmond Borough Council to help them bring the disused side of Barnes Bridge back to life.

“While it does not carry trains, it is an important part of our operational estate, carrying signalling, power cable and other fixed infrastructure. Diversion of those cables is a complex and very expensive operation and, consequently, one of the key tasks we face is to find an effective way of protecting our critical infrastructure that’s also affordable for the association.

“Separately, we have been in conversations with the local council and the association about agreeing terms for the future use of the bridge as well as safeguarding its future maintenance or repair. It’s great that this project has taken a fresh step forward and we look forward to taking the next steps together.”

Richmond Council said it "welcomed the plans".

Moxon-led designs for adjustable steel bridges to carry pedestrians, cyclists and horses over the HS2 railway were revealed this month.

Arup and Heatherwick Studio’s central London Garden Bridge project was abandoned in 2017 following a string of negative headlines.

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