Richmond ice rink organisers are facing opposition from residents concerned about the potential noise disruption and traffic congestion caused by the winter attraction.
It’s the first time the rink will be set up in the plush surroundings of Strawberry Hill House, having previously been at York House.
Twickenham Alive co-founder, Berkley Driscoll, explained they are doing everything possible to ensure the attraction runs smoothly.
He said: “We will build an acoustic enclosure to mitigate noise, as we did in York House.
“We found that most people travel here by public transport, school children will come in minibuses and the current car park is big enough for that.”
The Strawberry Hill Trust director, Nicholas Smith, added that transport will not be an issue and claims the rink will be beneficial to the community.
“We believe that our car park and public transport links will be sufficient,” he said.
“I want the rink to be a triple success – for ourselves as Strawberry Hill House, for Richmond Rink itself, and for our neighbourhood.”
Student Union president at St. Mary’s University Ryan Jones revealed there has been widespread support in the student community.
“We’ve had a really good reaction from the students and I don’t think it will affect studies,” he said.
“You might say it will be a distraction but it’s been more a cause of excitement!”
Richmond Rink will be open from December 6 – January 25 and is open between 9am and 8pm.
Picture courtesy of Anna Richards, with thanks
