The idea
The current fibreglass fountain was placed by the New Malden branch of the Rotary Club in 1982, to replace the original water fountain and horse trough, which was demolished as a result of two historic car accidents.
The Band of Mercy paid for the original stone fountain in 1894. It was moved following an incident in 1932, when then again it was seriously damaged.
The current fountain has suffered during the decades and the scale of damage is extensive. There is surface spalling on the fountain, whilst structurally, there are broken and missing parts. This has meant, for a number of years the Fountain monument has been non-functional.
We want to transform our gateway, currently tired and broken, into a space that all residents can be proud of, having supported the roundabout overwhelmingly in a campaign in 2016.
We will do this, with the blessing of the Rotary Club, by removing the broken, fibreglass fountain, and replacing it with a stone replica, in honour of the Band of Mercy.
What we'll deliver
- Deliver heritage workshops on the history of New Malden and the fountain, in collaboration with the Heritage Society
- Install a new, stone fountain monument, to mark the original stone monument built in 1894
- Remove the broken, fibreglass fountain monument (agreed with the Rotary Club, who placed it in 1982)
- Work with RB Kingston to ensure the monument is properly maintained, safeguarding heritage for the future
- Work with the Royal Borough of Kingston to ensure the area is kept clean, tidy and green
Why it's a great idea
The Fountain Roundabout was described by local residents, in 2012, as the ‘gateway to New Malden’ (in Kingston Council’s town centre ‘vision'), and feeling is so strong for the roundabout that, in 2016, a successful march was held against plans that would have removed the roundabout and monument.
The message is clear - all ‘New Maldeners’ love our Fountain, and its heritage.
The current monument, a fibreglass replica placed by the Rotary Club in 1982, has sadly been damaged over time, through no fault of residents, and is tired and broken.
We now have a unique opportunity, through the use of crowdfunding, to restore the most prominent and potent part of New Malden’s heritage to its former glory.
This project has the blessing of the New Malden Rotary Club, who placed the current replica monument, the Maldens and Coombe Heritage Society, who champion local heritage, and the support of many local residents.
Steps to get it done
- Deliver heritage workshops on the history of New Malden and the fountain, in collaboration with the Heritage Society
- Re-landscape the area on the roundabout, ensuring it is clean, green and vibrant.
- Remove the broken, fibreglass fountain monument
- Commission a new, stone fountain monument, to be built
- Install a new, stone fountain monument, along with required water mechanics
It is fantastic to see, at such an early stage, phenomenal support for the project, and we are confident that this project will enhance our local area, bringing back a much-loved monument into use (through the erection of a replica of the original monument), reignite interest in the heritage of New Malden, and support our local environment.
In a consultation, run in 2012, New Malden residents described the Fountain Roundabout as the ‘gateway to New Malden’, and in 2016, residents overwhelmingly backed a campaign to protect the roundabout.
