Twickenham Riverside - addressing residents' queries

Below are responses to questions about the Twickenham Riverside project.

If you have any questions which are not covered on this page, please contact the Programme Team.

The current programme

These are the key milestones, which may be subject to change.

• Planning Committee – the planning application submitted in Summer 2021 was approved at Planning Committee on 24 November 2022. A decision notice was issued on 22 December 2022. The CPO inquiry is due to take place in June 2023
• Work on site commences – 2024. This will be subject to the successful outcome of the CPO process

Has the design changed?

There have been developments from the concept design shown during the competition, but this was expected as the design was progressed in further detail and in discussion with the Council. The main change is a reduced building footprint, which resulted from conversations with the Environment Agency and their requirements regarding the flood defence wall and flood storage on site.

Read further information about how the design had to change (pdf, 3.0 MB) as a result of flooding policy requirements.

There was a period of consultation in January to February 2021, and the design has also responded to the comments received.

The design has now received planning permission. View the latest design.

What is happening with parking, transport, access and servicing?

We made the decision to remove parking from the Embankment in order to open up the riverside to all residents and prioritise people over cars. This decision was taken by Committee in November 2020. A plan has been developed to help mitigate the loss of these spaces and we continue to engage with local stakeholders on this. See the June 2021 Transport and Air Quality Committee report on this subject.

Why is the Council stopping up some of the embankment?

To deliver the scheme and all its benefits the Council is having to stop up some of the existing highway on the embankment. Following objections received during the first notification period, the Council will retain a section of highway running along the embankment. Vehicles will be able to move along the embankment between 7 and 10am. This will be managed through a Traffic Management Order, subject to a successful outcome of the CPO process.

How many residential units will there be?

There will be 45 residential units across the two buildings, 50% of which will be affordable homes by habitable room. It is proposed that the affordable homes will be 81% rented, and 19% shared ownership.

Will you be bringing a developer on board?

It is the Council's intention to develop the scheme itself and to keep control of the site going forward.

How will the new scheme accommodate cyclists?

It is one of our ambitions to ensure that this site is accessible for all, including those who favour active modes of transport. Information on the cycle routes can be found in the planning application documents.

How will the design improve connections between the high street and the river?

The design has significantly widened Water Lane pedestrian footway and provides views of Eel Pie Island bridge from King Street. It is hoped that the view, the inviting architecture, public open space and design in conjunction with retail units on Water Lane will draw people down towards the riverside.

The riverside will also be host to a variety of activities, with a new events space and river activity zone, further strengthening the sites position as a destination spot and encouraging people come and enjoy both the riverside and Twickenham.

How will the design attract children and young people?

The design includes a variety of amenities for children and young people, including a play area, natural play, open lawn, pétanque pitches with a chess table and chairs and river activity zone. There will also be plenty space to relax. We hope young people will enjoy and use the open space to socialise and participate in recreational activities as well as benefitting from improved lighting and natural surveillance which was noted as a key concern for young people on the current site.

Will the Council re-provide the Diamond Jubilee Gardens?

Yes, we will be re-providing the Diamond Jubilee Gardens. Open space is central to the scheme and the design will provide an increased amount of Public Open Space. The Gardens will be set out across the central space, starting with the top tiered lawns, children’s play area, pétanque pitches and seating areas and will then flow down the terraced lawns and terraced steps to the Town Square events space on the Embankment.  

Is the scheme going to be sustainable?

The scheme will be BREEAM Excellent.

What is the latest on the CPO?

Find out the latest information on the compulsory purchase order.

Why was there a CPO inquiry?

In order to deliver a comprehensive and cohesive regeneration of Twickenham Riverside the Council has made a compulsory purchase order (CPO).

The Council had been negotiating with affected parties and whilst a number of interests within the Scheme have been acquired by agreement, a number of negotiations could not be concluded. Given the outstanding negotiations (and in line with Government guidance), the Council made the CPO to ensure the timely delivery of the Scheme. A CPO inquiry was held from 6 to 27 June 2023. 

If there has been planning approval in November 2022, why hasn’t work started on the scheme?

Further progress on the scheme is subject to the outcome of the CPO. If the Council is successful, it will start a procurement process for a contractor to deliver the scheme.

What happens if the Council is not successful at the CPO inquiry?

The Council will be unable to deliver the scheme.

Does the Council have the money to deliver the project?

At its meeting on 19 January 2023 the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee approved the capital budget to deliver the scheme. See the committee report and minutes.