Funding approved for Twickenham Riverside redevelopment

Richmond Council has approved the funds needed to deliver the Twickenham Riverside redevelopment.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council and Chair of the Finance, Resource and Policy Committee, which made the decision last night, said:

“This funding approval brings us another step closer to getting the Twickenham Riverside development underway. The new development will bring a lot of value to the local area – we expect it to generate over £20m of measurable local impacts over 30 years. Part of this will be direct financial benefits to the Council such as Council Tax and Business Rates income, but it is also the benefits that an increase in people living, working and visiting the area will have for the local economy.

“The Council will be investing £20m in the project, to bring about the benefits of the scheme. The next step is the CPO Inquiry in early summer. We very much hope this will be successful so we can finally start construction after all these years of waiting. The CPO is a last resort, and the Council would have liked to have avoided it and the costs associated. Our door remains open to the Twickenham Riverside Trust, so we can find a solution that works for all parties.”

The scheme will deliver housing (including 50% affordable by habitable rooms), office space, shops, a café and pub/restaurant and plenty of open space. The relocated open space is at the centre of the proposed development, with event space, an exciting children’s play area and pétanque pitches as well as terraced lawns, planting and trees. The event space on the riverside will prioritise people over cars. It is a flexible space that can be used for events including markets and fairs.

A widened Water Lane with inviting views from King Street will improve visibility and accessibility from the Town Centre to the river. Access to and use of the river will be improved via a pontoon and boat storage.

Find out more about the scheme.