The Molesey Residents Association is a non-party political organisation which aims to protect and enhance the amenities and the environment of East and West Molesey.

NEW JOLLY BOATMAN & STATION SITE PROPOSALS

NEW JOLLY BOATMAN & STATION SITE PROPOSALS

At the end of 2008, against all opposition, the then Conservative-controlled Elmbridge Council pushed through a huge redevelopment plan for the ex-Jolly Boatman and Station sites, involving a hotel on the riverbank opposite Hampton Court Palace and dense 4-story housing on much of the rest of the site.  That planning consent still stands, although the site is now under new ownership.  MRA Councillors, Council officers and other interested parties have, over the last two years, had discussions with the new owners – who have now produced some new plans which are clearly an improvement on the previous scheme, but still a major redevelopment.

The new plans propose that the ex-Jolly Boatman site (presently boarded up) should be an open green space, affording open views to the Palace from the station entrance area.  This green area will be served by a café and there will be a second retail outlet by the station entrance.     A hotel, with a retail outlet on the ground floor, is proposed to be built where the present car sales area is, opposite the BP petrol station.

The new proposal also aims to build about 97 flats, mainly in three 3-to-4 storey blocks, where the present station car park is situated.   These will be built above a two-storey part-underground car park with capacity for 205 cars – to service the station, hotel and flats.    Entry and exit to the car park will be via a service road between the river and the green area.   To allow the development to proceed as quickly as possible, it is proposed that a small part of Cigarette Island should be used as a temporary station car park while the work is taking place.  It will be landscaped and returned to its present state once work is complete.   There will be alterations to the forecourt area of the station and extra traffic lights will be installed on Hampton Court Way around the Creek Road and Hurst Road exits on to Hampton Court Way. There are, however, serious concerns about the potential impact on the current traffic congestion problems in the roads leading to and from Hampton Court Bridge.

If the application is approved it is expected to take about 2 years to complete the development.