COUNCIL chiefs have vowed to press ahead with an ambitious scheme to create a new riverside town square for Twickenham despite attempts to block it.

The multi-million pound scheme will remove cars and parking, creating a new promenade and public spaces, together with homes, shops, a café and pub.

The proposal suffered a blow this week when the Twickenham Riverside Trust, which owns part of the site, announced it would oppose the sale of its land to the Council.

The Trust controls the Diamond Jubilee Gardens and – unless this land is made available – the entire redevelopment, designed by Hopkins Architects, could be derailed.

Richmond Borough Council has now made clear that it will pursue a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to buy the land if the Trust continues to refuse a sale.

The decision on whether to allow the CPO will be up to the new Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and planning, Michael Gove.

Council leader, Cllr Gareth Roberts, has spoken of his disappointment at the attitude of the Trust and its controlling trustees. He has also made clear that the Council intends to push ahead with the scheme.

The Council said it has offered to move the Gardens to a larger, more attractive, neighbouring site as part of the scheme, which will open up the area to much greater public use.

Councillors have expressed surprise at the attitude of the Trust which, they say, was involved in the design process and previously agreed to support the redevelopment.

They feel the trustees have let down residents and those trying to breathe new life into the centre of Twickenham.

Cllr Roberts said: "It must be remembered that the land is leased to the Trustees and made available to the people of the borough, and the people of the borough have been quite clear that they want to see a whole site solution delivered for Twickenham Riverside, rather than a piecemeal approach. This therefore must include Diamond Jubilee Gardens – which originally the Trust agreed to.

"We have always been committed to working in partnership with the Trust to ensure that we are on the same page. And so far, we have been. The Council has gone above and beyond to accommodate the Trust, while still retaining the integrity of the Hopkins design we all love so much.

"We have come so far with the plans for this site. But we can't be left with uncertainty over the Gardens' inclusion. Our commitment to redeveloping the Riverside and making it a place for everyone will not be deterred."

He added: "Whilst it is incredibly disappointing that the Trust made their announcement that they would not be supporting the scheme on social media, rather than proactively engaging with us, our generous offer is still on the table. I hope that they will change their minds and continue to work with us in the future.

"Regrettably due to the Trust's position and the uncertainty that means in terms of delivering the scheme, we have to progress the CPO process in parallel to seeking to reach a negotiated agreement."

The Trust say they are opposed to the sale of the Gardens land to the Council, rather than the redevelopment itself. However, the Council is clear that it will be impossible for the scheme to go ahead if this land is not included.