Dear supporters,
First of all, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, and supported this petition so far — and especially to those who have left comments or contributed as sponsors. Your support has been overwhelming, and it’s a clear sign that the Barnes community stands together in protecting what matters.
What began as a campaign to save Barnes Montessori Pavilion has now become a broader message: we oppose the wider redevelopment of Vine Road Recreation Ground.
❗ We Oppose the Redevelopment of Vine Road Rec
Vine Road Rec is already a peaceful, well-loved space. It offers:
- A natural balance of play areas, open green space, and biodiversity
- Historic structures like the old bowls lawn and the Montessori Pavilion
- A safe, welcoming space for families, children, and the wider community
The Council’s current proposals — as seen in the redevelopment plans — risk turning it into an overdesigned theme park-style site. These include:
- A large “climate resilient hub” with event space, café, toilets, and offices
- A skate park, splash pad, and extensive hard landscaping
- Demolition of the existing Montessori Pavilion
We’re especially concerned about the skate park, which could lead to increased noise and anti-social behaviour, deterring families with young children. Many residents remember when Vine Road Rec was in decline — with graffiti and drug use — before the nursery helped bring the park back to life. We do not want to return to those days.
We believe these proposals are excessive, unnecessary, and not in keeping with the character of the park or the needs of the local community.
📨 We’ve Taken Action
We have:
- Emailed Sarah Olney MP
- Contacted councillors for Barnes, Mortlake and Barnes Common
- Written to Cabinet members and other key figures at Richmond Council
- Submitted a formal ePetition to the Council (awaiting approval)
📄 View the Redevelopment Plans
You can view the consultation materials here:
📬 Email Your Councillors and Key Stakeholders
We encourage all supporters to write to your local councillors and decision-makers involved in this project. Even a short message makes a difference.
Mortlake and Barnes Common Ward
Cllr Niki Crookdake (Green Party)
📧 cllr.n.crookdake@richmond.gov.uk
Cllr Anton McNulty-Howard (Liberal Democrat)
📧 cllr.a.mcnulty-howard@richmond.gov.uk
Cllr Tony Paterson (Liberal Democrat)
📧 cllr.t.paterson@richmond.gov.uk
Barnes Ward
Cllr Andy Hale (Liberal Democrat)
📧 cllr.a.hale@richmond.gov.uk
Cllr Marjory Millum (Liberal Democrat)
📧 cllr.m.millum@richmond.gov.uk
Cllr Fiona Sacks (Liberal Democrat)
📧 cllr.f.sacks@richmond.gov.uk
Council Cabinet Members
Cllr John Coombs – Cabinet Member for Environment
📧 cllr.j.Coombs@richmond.gov.uk
Cllr Julia Neden-Watts – Chair, Environment, Sustainability, Culture & Sports
📧 cllr.j.neden-watts@richmond.gov.uk
Cllr Gareth Roberts – Leader of the Council
📧 cllr.groberts@richmond.gov.uk
Other Key Contact
Mike Hildesley – Chair, Friends of Barnes Common (FoBC)
📧 mikehildesley@btinternet.com
Suggested talking points:
- The park works well as it is and is valued by the community
- The Pavilion is a critical early years setting that should not be displaced
- A skate park and large event centre are out of keeping with the space
- More natural, low-impact improvements would be welcome — but not overdevelopment
Thank you again for standing with us. Together, we can protect what makes Vine Road Rec and the Montessori Pavilion so special.
With gratitude