Windows on the past
TIMELINE MURAL ON REFURBISHED BRIDGE HIGHLIGHTS THE HISTORY OF WEST DRAYTON
THE newly refurbished West Drayton Bridge has been officially unveiled.
The bridge has undergone an impressive facelift, including an extensive clean of its concrete pillars and facades and the installation of an specially-designed timeline mural that tells the history of the area from the years 929 to 2019. It has also been given new LED lighting.
The mural captures historical and unique points of interest in West Drayton and Yiewsley, reminding local people of its agricultural and industrial heritage.
The Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Carol Melvin launched the refurbished area on Thursday, March 22.
She complimented the refurbishments and thanked all involved in the project, including Designed By Good People, the designers of the mural; Yiewsley and West Drayton Town Centre Action Group, who lent their local knowledge to the project; Links Signs, who oversaw the fabrication of the mural and all the other bridge works; Network Rail; and Crossrail.
Also present at the event were Cllr Douglas Mills, cabinet member for community, commerce and regeneration, and local ward councillors, who helped get the project off the ground.
Speaking after the event, Cllr Mills said: “The bridge marks the boundary between West Drayton and Yiewsley and is an important gateway that residents should feel proud of. We’ve certainly managed to achieve that here, turning what was practical but fairly unremarkable piece of architecture into a landmark feature for future generations to cherish.
“We initiated this project following concerns from residents and rail passengers about the state of the bridge, writing directly to Network Rail’s Chief Executive to ensure that action could be taken.
“I’m pleased the project has come to fruition and I look forward to seeing the completion of other regeneration projects across the borough, all of which demonstrate the council’s ongoing commitment to making our town centres nicer places to live, work and visit.”
The West Drayton Bridge transformation is a Hillingdon Council-led initiative in partnership with Crossrail, as part of wider £1.6 million public realm improvements to complement the new West Drayton Station extension. West Drayton will begin receiving Elizabeth line services in December 2019.