The possibility of linking Kew Gardens and Syon Park by building a footbridge across the Thames took a step closer to becoming a reality this week.

The concept has been talked about for years but remained doubtful due to the feasability of such an ambitious project.

However, Kew Gardens has now appointed landscape architects Gross Max to create a long-term plan to shape the site for future generations and it emerged this week – as the gardens celebrated its 250th anniversary – that the construction of a bridge was something it was looking into.

A spokesman for the attraction said: “Gross Max is looking at ways of reconnecting the gardens with the Thames but it is still very early days.

“The idea is not at an advanced stage and we do not yet have any design plans.

“The architects are still in an orientation phase where they are analysing the site and we will have their recommendations at the end of the year.”

Across the river, the head gardener at Syon Park, Topher Martyn, said he would be keen to see the creation of a footbridge.

He said: “It’s certainly something we are open to and have discussed with Kew over the years.

“Obviously the practicalities and logistics are another story altogether but that’s a step down the line.

“As we know from other projects anything is possible.”

Gross Max has been tasked with developing plans for a new landscaped dock on the riverside areas of Kew Gardens and it is believed it has been asked to consult the Thames Landscape Strategy, which protects the river between Hampton and Kew.

Partner at Gross Max, Eelco Hooftman said: “Over the years the gardens have lost their relationship with the River Thames.

“The opportunity to reintegrate Kew Gardens with the river is an exciting project for the 21st century.”

Gross Max was appointed as part of the gardens’ 250th anniversary celebrations and will look at how the gardens can be improved for visitors, identifying a set of 10 proposals that could be developed.

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