Forum Topic

What happened to the Water Fountain at Kew Bridge?

Does anyone know where the water fountain that used to be in the middle of the road at Kew Bridge was moved to?  I remember crossing the road to it regularly as a child and would love to know where it is now.Here's a link to an old photo of it:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fchiswickherald.co.uk%2Fplace-an-announcement-or-a-publicstatutory-notice-p14839-350.htm&psig=AOvVaw0pjzRyjzIA73ElWSw4B5gi&ust=1673030290983000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CA8QjRxqFwoTCLCJhdeJsfwCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

Kim Allsebrook ● 1354d7 Comments

Western International Market.

Janice Evans ● 1354d

Thanks Janice, I never knew about this fountain.Here are some links (old and new!)http://mdfcta.co.uk/details-f/f016.htmlhttps://hounslowherald.com/brentford-fountain-added-to-heritage-at-risk-register-p19543-95.htmhttps://brentfordvoice.co.uk/conservation-and-heritage/http://www.brentfordtw8.com/default.asp?section=info&page=ekew08.htm

Andrew Jones ● 1354d

Dates from 1877

Janice Evans ● 1353d

I believe that there have been moves, at various times, to bring the fountain back to Brentford - I think one of the initiatives was through Brentford Voice. There would be a substantial cost involved, however, and I think that the fountain may be in a fragile condition. I seem to remember other threads re where the fountain could be sited should it be brought back. An ideal place to me would seem to be in the square between Kew Bridge and One Over the Ait.

Anne England ● 1353d

We have made a number of attempts to bring the fountain back from where it now lives, having as I understand having been passed to the traders association as part of compensation to them related to the move.I'm afraid it is an entirely inappropriate base beside the cul de sac which is the entrance to WIM and is very poorly maintained.The problem is that it is a lot bigger and heavy than people (me included) realised and it is hard to find a sensible place to put it that that landowners etc would accept it. Restoring it (and moving it) would also cost a lot of money - someone suggested £300K though I have no idea if that is credible.Perhaps we could take a couple of lanes out of the room for powered vehicles which meant the fountain was driven away in the first place, but I have a feeling that may not be a popular suggestion with everybody 🤣

Guy Lambert ● 1353d

An important part of Brentford's history, there is a strong(i.e. nostalgic) sentiment to bring the wonderful gothic beastie back, torch bearer required.

Ben Halloren ● 1352d

What an odd suggestion from Guy.He approved the 9-storey concrete carbuncle a.k.a carpark on Brentford High Street. The developer wouldn't be too happy if cars couldn't get to that carpark.I'd imagine there is plenty of space within the new development which could house a new site of honour for the fountain. Surprising that wasn't part of the development deal. The talent that restored the fountain on TGT would be the best suited to give an estimate.

David Edward ● 1352d