Helping Virginia Water Bloom: An Update on Local Environmental Improvements
The Virginia Water Residents’ Association (WRA) continues to work with local partners to improve the appearance of the village and create a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and commuters.
One of the most visible recent projects has been the installation of hanging baskets along the parade of shops and the station approach. The baskets are now in full bloom, adding colour and vibrancy to the village centre and creating a much more attractive welcome for those arriving in Virginia Water. The WRA is also considering the introduction of additional planters at the railway station to extend the floral displays into this important gateway to the village.
Improving the station environment
The WRA has been working with South Western Railway, Network Rail and Archco to address the long-standing issue of the disused and dilapidated garages opposite the entrance to Virginia Water Station. The garages and surrounding area have become an eyesore and detract from the appearance of what should be an attractive arrival point.
Ongoing discussions with Archco, the owner of the land on which the garages stand, are exploring a number of possible solutions. One option under consideration is the erection of suitable hoarding, potentially incorporating attractive graphics, local images and maps, while other joint solutions are also being explored. The aim is to find an approach that significantly improves the appearance of the site while a longer-term solution is considered.
The WRA has also now formally adopted Virginia Water Station, strengthening its involvement in improving the station and its surroundings. Discussions are taking place with colleagues at South Western Railway about introducing floral displays at the station in the future, alongside opportunities to tidy and improve the wider area.
Working with the council
The WRA is also collaborating with the local council on improvements around the main station car park. This work will include enhanced planting as well as repairs and general improvements to the area, helping to make it a more attractive and better-maintained part of the village.
A new welcome to Virginia Water
Looking further ahead, there are extensive plans being developed for the Wellington Avenue/Christchurch Road roundabout. The intention is to transform the roundabout into a more attractive and distinctive welcome point for people entering Virginia Water.
Ideas currently being considered include pruning and reshaping some of the existing trees and shrubs, introducing new planting and potentially incorporating a sculpture or other feature to give the roundabout a stronger identity.
These projects form part of the WRA’s continuing commitment to making Virginia Water a greener, more attractive and welcoming place. Much of the work depends on collaboration with landowners, railway organisations and the local authority, but progress is being made on a number of fronts.
The WRA will continue to keep residents informed as these projects develop, with the aim of creating improvements that will benefit the whole community and enhance the appearance of Virginia Water for years to come.
