Proposing a subterranean restaurant in vault spaces by Putney Bridge

The proposal which has received approval involves refurbishing the long derelict building at 2 Putney High Street and extending the restaurant into hidden vaults which stretch north under Lower Richmond Road to the river wall.

A new arched opening would be created in the river wall to provide access from the restaurant onto Waterman's Green on the Putney Embankment.

The site's owner intends to make a separate application to use part of the green as an outdoor seating area. Currently the space is poorly used by the public due to its isolated position up against the bridge wall.















The 2 Putney High Street building is situated in a prominent position facing Putney Bridge . It has been vacant for at least ten years. Thames Water has identified Waterman's Green and surrounding land on Putney Embankment as a potential construction site to help build the Thames Tunnel - a new 14 mile sewer. Because this scheme does not have planning permission it could not be considered as a relevant factor when determining the application for 2 Putney High Street.

Planning applications chairman Nick Cuff said:
"This derelict building has been an eyesore for far too long and is one of the first things your see when crossing the bridge from Fulham. This scheme would give the site a much needed facelift, bring it back into economic use and help regenerate this neglected corner of the high street.

"Few people are even aware of the vaults below Lower Richmond Road which are part of the listed bridge structure. Converting them into a restaurant space is an exciting prospect and would give people the chance to experience these unusual subterranean spaces."

The proposal includes a planning application and an application for listed building consent. Both were approved by the committee on January 6, 2010. Full details of both applications can be viewed on the council's planning web sitewww.wandsworth.gov.uk/planning - reference 2010/3543 and 2010/3584.

Waterman's Green from the Lower Richmond Rd

January 7, 2011