Bedford Hill undergoes £1mil regeneration

Bedford Hill has had a £1m facelift which was shaped by members of the community.  

The project, influenced by a public consultation carried out in 2018, involves a range of environmental upgrades between Balham Station Road and Balham Hill. 

The first phase of the two-stage improvement scheme is almost complete and has seen a series of safety measures introduced, plus granite paving and more street trees and shrubs. 

Shrubs and trees in Bedford Hill

‘Traffic calming entry treatments’ have been created at junctions with Harberson Road, Shipka Road, Sistova Road and Rossiter Road. 

These entry treatments – which raise the road surface up to the same level as the pavement – are designed to reduce vehicle speeds and make it easier for wheelchair users and parents with small children in buggies to cross at these junctions. 

Additional cycle parking has been introduced.  

Transport spokesman Cllr John Locker said: “This entire scheme has been shaped and inspired by the views of local people and businesses in the area who took part in our 2018 consultation. 

“They told us they wanted the area smartened up to make it more attractive and boost local trade. We listened very carefully, secured the funding and have been getting on with the job of making a really positive difference to the look and feel of this important commercial and residential neighbourhood.” 

The second phase of the project, which will get underway soon will see the introduction of a pedestrian crossing facility between the Bedford Pub and Balham Station Road, and a wider pavement created on the south west corner next to the railway wall. 

Granite will continue to be used through the junction up to the railway bridge and also extending in front of the shops and businesses on Fernlea Road. The carriageway will then be resurfaced. 

Funding for the scheme has come from the Wandsworth Local Fund, that’s used to pay for improvements to the local area’s infrastructure. 

For two summers now Bedford Hill has been pedestrianised at weekends – in the hopes of creating a more attractive shopping and leisure destination.  

According to the Council this has led to a 30 per cent increase in trade for hospitality businesses and also some of the retail outlets, and its likely pedestrianisation will be repeated in the future.