The name of Rickmansworth Aquadrome's new bridge announced

Earlier this year, Three Rivers District Council engaged with local communities and the Three Rivers Museum Trust to put forward five shortlisted names for the public to vote and comment on for the new key link to the well-loved nature reserve.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “Our residents have spoken and so the town’s amazing new bridge will be aptly named the Aquadrome Bridge.

“Our residents and visitors value our parks and open spaces highly. As well as this, the Aquadrome has been a big part in so many people’s lives across the generations, so it’s a fitting choice that the new bridge is named after the very place it will improve connectivity to.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in the survey, and I look forward to seeing residents and visitors use this key link to our beloved local nature reserve very soon.”

Subject to funding, the council is exploring options to include an information board that will give an insight into the history of the Aquadrome as well as Harry Walker and his brothers, who bought the land in 1913 intending to turn it into a public pleasure ground and boating lake. These plans also include the ornamental penny farthing that used to perch on the old bridge railings.

Generations of residents and visitors will soon be able to use the new bridge, which was funded by developer contributions, to access the treasured nature reserve. As the new bridge is double in width compared to the old one, it will enable pedestrians, wheelchairs, buggies and cyclists to pass each other safely as well as encourage sustainable travel. New landscaping and attractive seating will also provide a stunning new pedestrian entrance into the Aquadrome and offer a beautiful view of Batchworth Lake.