Ravensbury Park will be more accessible for walkers following the reconstruction of two new bridges at the park as part of the Wandle Trail Arts Programme.

The project is part of artist Andrew Sabin’s vision to improve the accessibility of the Wandle Trail for walkers or cyclists after he noticed the trail was difficult to follow, overgrown and badly sign posted.

Andrew decided to replace the existing older bridges in Ravensbury Park with innovative new bridges allowing pedestrians to see the river beneath them as they crossed it and enjoy the view.

Following extensive consultation with local people regarding design and materials, Andrew built the bridges in his studio and is currently installing them in Ravensbury Park. It is expected they will be completed and in place by the end of November.

Andrew Sabin said about the project:

“The landscape around the Wandle River is rich in diversity, dense and very beautiful. My aim is to make it easier for the users of the Wandle Trail to see and enjoy the spectacular landscape”

The project has been managed by Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity which has a range of public artworks nation-wide in partnership with the London Borough of Merton’s Art Development Team, Groundwork Merton and the boroughs of Wandsworth and Sutton. The project was funded with grants from the Bridge House Trust, the Arts Council of England, the Royal Society of Architects and the London Borough of Merton.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Economic Development, said:

“We are delighted the run-down bridges in Ravensbury Park have been replaced by beautifully designed bridges which will enhance the experience of visiting the park. To replace them with the cheapest option would have cost over £50,000 but it has cost us less than £2,000.”

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