Hazelmere Underpass Improvement Project
A special project...
Improving the Hazelmere Underpass is the first of the PWRDA’s special projects. Our aim for this project is to make the underpass a welcoming and accessible place for all our residents and visitors.
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Working in conjunction with Network Rail, the National Trust and Bromley Council we are leading the following improvement activities:
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Clear the underpass of overhanging shrubbery and ensure Network Rail improve their maintenance regime of the underpass
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Work with Bromley Council’s Rights of Way Officer to review the access barriers to move them in line with current regulations allowing the path to be more accessible but retain a deterrent for motorcycles.
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Commission an artist to paint a mural which reflects the vibrancy and natural beauty of the Petts Wood/Chislehurst area.
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Funding
We have to raise funding to be able to pay for the improvement activities and whilst the PWDRA has committed funds to get the project up and running, we have needed to apply for grants from other organisations. We have accepted a generous grant from The Chislehurst Society and are awaiting feedback from Network Rail. However, we need to raise more money if we are to get the mural painted this summer.
If you would like to make a financial donation to the project,please click here to go to our fundraising page or find us at: https://crowdfunder.co.uk/p/hazelmere-underpass-mural .
Recent News
Update: Artist Appointed
We are delighted to announce that after an extensive recruitment process, we haveappointed James Daw to paint the mural in the underpass. James is a fabulous artist who has extensive experience in painting murals. As part of the recruitment process James presented these ideas of how the mural may look...see images.
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Vote for what is included in the mural
Thank you to everyone who visited our stall at the May Fayre. We had 301 votes for plants and animals you would like to see included in the mural. The Fox, Owl and Robin received the top votes.
It’s not too late to give us your views, use this link before 29th June to let us know your favourites by voting here.
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We’ll share all the votes with the artist for him to consider how they might feature in the final design.
Idea 2
Artist proposal
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about the Hazelmere Underpass project please refer to the immediate list of FAQs below, or feel free to get in touch via: specialprojects@pettswood.org.uk
FAQs
What are the planned improvements to Hazelmere tunnel?
We have asked Network Rail to clear all the overhanging shrubbery and once cleared, to keep it maintained.
We are working with an artist to develop a mural to be painted on the walls of the underpass.
Bromley Council have undertaken a review of the footpath and are improving the accessibility by realigning the restriction barriers so that pushchairs and cycles can enter the underpass a little easier.
We have asked Network Rail to review maintenance regimes for the tunnel and drainage to try and minimise the flooding that can happen after heavy rain.
When will the improvement activities take place?
Bromley Council will undertake the work to realign the barriers during spring 2025. Network Rail will clear the shrubbery spring/early summer 2025. The preparation and installation of the mural will be dependent on funding and availability of the artist, we hope during summer 2025.
Who is paying for the improvement activities?
We have been seeking financial support to cover the cost to prepare the fabric of the underpass and paint the mural. Currently the Petts Wood and District Residents Association have committed funds and The Chislehurst Society, Network Rail and South Eastern Railway have been approached to contribute towards the costs. We are going to run a crowdfunding campaign to seek donations from the local community.
Who will decide the design of the mural?
The organisations who are providing the funding and two representatives from the community have agreed design principles for the artist to interpret.
These include reflecting the unique nature of both the built and natural environments, local history and that it is inclusive. The artist will use his expertise to interpret the design principles to develop the design. We asked the community for their ideas on what should be included in the mural at the May Fayre and will continue to seek feedback through social media platforms.
How will you stop the mural being graffitied?
General experience is that areas painted with murals tend to be respected. Of course there is always the exception. The materials used in the mural will be durable and include an ‘anti-graffiti’ coating.
How will you stop the mural being graffitied?
General experience is that areas painted with murals tend to be respected. Of course there is always the exception. The materials used in the mural will be durable and include an ‘anti-graffiti’ coating.
Will you close the underpass?
We will work with Bromley Council and the artist to assess the health and safety of keeping the footpath through the underpass open. We do expect to have to close it for a short time. All other entrances to the National Trust woods will remain open.
Are you putting lights in the underpass?
No, there are currently no lights in the underpass. We have no plans as part of these improvement activities to add lights.
Who do I contact if I have a question about the improvement activities?
Please send an email to specialprojects@pettswood.org.uk