Kingston Council has launched a consultation on the future of the riverside with a heavy focus on improving connectivity.

The vision, set out in a draft supplementary planning document, is to “connect the riverside fully with the historic core and increase active use of the riverside for eating and drinking, cultural and leisure uses” while expanding to Thames Side and Town End.

Issue has been taken with the lack of “connectivity” between the town centre and the riverside, which has been put down to connecting alleyways being “clogged by parking” and sometimes privately owned.

The proposals state: “By bringing the alleys and spaces between buildings into active use, pressure on the riverside walk itself will be reduced.”

Surrey Comet:

The council says unlike the riverfront south of Kingston Bridge, the river front between the bridges 'lacks activity and vibrancy'

South of the bridge, focus is on improving pedestrian links, which the plans prioritise over car users and cyclists, but proposals for “high quality” cycle routes leading to the town are included.

The draft states: “Pedestrians will be prioritised in the riverside.

“Improved cycle routes will be provided in the town centre and increased cycle parking distributed within the town to allow cyclists to get to the riverside and then explore the area on foot.

“Leisure cyclists will only be encouraged to make use of the riverside walk where it is wide enough to be shared without conflict with pedestrians and other leisure users.”

Canbury Gardens and Queens Promenade will be “enhanced”, with new riverine planting creating a “more naturalistic appearance and supporting increased biodiversity”.

The proposals state that the Thames is a “defining feature of Kingston’s cultural identity”.

Plans to moor the Queen’s Barge ‘Gloriana’ close to John Lewis and Turks Pier have been suggested in the hope of attracting more tourists by highlighting the borough’s “royal patronage”.

Increased events celebrating the river are also proposed, along with improved facilities for water-based activities, and art placed along the walk.

A focus on making the riverside more “green” and “naturalised” is included, to detract from the “highly urbanised character” which currently exists.

The riverside will also be “decluttered” by removing “all non-essential” signage and street furniture.

Councillor David Cunningham, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration at Kingston Council, said: ““Kingston’s riverside is an integral part of our identity as a borough, underpinning the local economy, providing wonderful amenity for our residents, businesses and visitors as well as providing a unique habitat where wildlife thrives.

“However, we need to make sure that we’re making the most of this key asset by improving the use of public space, links with the town centre and ensuring that, as our population grows, there’s a good balance of activities for all.

“The history of Kingston’s riverside is inseparable from its history and status as a Royal Borough.

“There is an opportunity to create a heritage trail which takes in Hampton Court Palace, the Coronation Stone, and the planned permanent mooring on Kingston riverside of the Queen’s royal barge, the Gloriana.

“The consultation process has local people at the heart of this process. Have your say and shape Kingston’s future.”

Have your say here.