Weybridge business and community partners celebrate completion of accessibility project
24 September 2021
On 21st September, local businesses and council officials celebrated the completion of the Brooklands Accessibility Project. The major transport scheme which connects Weybridge town centre to the Brooklands Community park via Weybridge Station was developed by Surrey County Council in partnership with Elmbridge Borough Council, and substantially funded by the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership.
At the centre of the project was a desire to bring together the community of Weybridge, whilst supporting the move to more sustainable and green modes of transport. The creation of an uninterrupted cycle path that will provide a safe route from Weybridge town centre through to the Community Park, including a critical new length along Heath Road will ensure that cyclists will not need to travel on the main road. The initiative also aims to improve the usage for commuters by train and other modes of public transport, who work in the Heights and Brooklands’ business and retail parks.
New signage has been erected by Surrey County Council along the route marking places of historical importance. The interpretation boards, researched and designed by Brooklands Museum, also describe the significance of the Brooklands Heritage site; the grounds within the original outline of the Brooklands motor racing circuit, as well as highlighting the many recreational activities that can be enjoyed there today.
The opening event, hosted by Tim Oliver, Weybridge Divisional Member and Leader of Surrey County Council, involved guests walking along the new route from Weybridge town centre to Brooklands Museum. Guests were taken to the Vickers Suite for a welcome from Tamalie Newbery, Brooklands Museum Chief Executive.
Tim Oliver – joined by Rob Moran, Elmbridge Borough Chief Executive– then addressed guests on the project’s completion and what it would mean for the local community, while also thanking those who had contributed to its success. The project was particularly supported by Brooklands Museum, Weybridge Society, Weybridge Charity, Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands College, Weybridge and Town Business Group. and Heathside School. The event was also attended by representatives from Sureset, who created a resin-bound gravelled area in the shape of the famous Brooklands racetrack outside the Museum’s entrance, Kier, who laid the groundworks and provided the tarmac for the path, and Milestone who installed new lighting specially designed to the natural environment. Guests were then invited to spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying the museum.
Tamalie Newbery, Director and CEO Brooklands Museum commented:
“The development of this new cycle path is a fantastic addition to the local community. It is also wonderful to see continued investment in the local area. Infrastructure like this is critical to building communities. We were delighted to host the celebration of its opening at Brooklands Museum.”
Surrey County Council leader Tim Oliver (centre), with Brooklands Museum's Chairman, Sir Gerry Acher and CEO and Director, Tamalie Newbery celebrate the completion of the Brooklands Accessibility Scheme.
Brooklands Museum volunteer Bob French trials the new cycle path on his Penny Farthing
Resin-bound gravel path in the shape of the famous Brooklands race track