Londoners have thrown their support behind plans to rebuild a popular outdoor activity centre to accommodate guests year-round and replace 'outdated' facilities. 

Surrey County Council (SCC) put forward the plans for Thames Young Mariners, in Richmond, which is used by schools, community groups, colleges and families across Surrey and London.

The scheme would see the existing outdoor learning buildings at the centre on Riverside Drive, run by Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD), demolished and replaced with five modern buildings.

The plans include a new main building with a kitchen, toilets, changing space and replacement staff accommodation, alongside new residential blocks and outdoor activity equipment.

The centre was built more than 60 years ago and offers water-based activities to young people and adults, including open water swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing. It is set in a 25-acre site with a 10-acre lake.

A planning statement with the application, submitted to Richmond Council, says it will "deliver sustainable, fit-for-purpose buildings which will enable SOLD to continue operating in the long-term".

It says Thames Young Mariners "requires redeveloping in order to bring the site up to the current health and safety standards with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, which would allow SOLD to increase its service capacity and strengthen its commercial operation for SCC".

The statement adds: "The proposed development will enable SOLD to continue providing an important element of social infrastructure to support schools, colleges, community groups and families with outdoor learning and education within Richmond, whilst also supporting Surrey and other London boroughs. The development will also allow SOLD to extend their residential offering to a year-round basis, rather than a current summer seasonal offer, enhancing the variety of facilities SOLD can offer to the community."

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The plans have received 172 letters of support so far.

Supporter Jane Stephens Nield wrote: "This is an excellent plan, there are no other facilities like these in this area. With the addition of new activities and buildings and the site being open all year round, it will be a great addition to the area, benefiting many children, young adults and people with learning difficulties."

Steve Kitson also welcomed the plans as he described the centre as a "valuable community resource" but its facilities as "somewhat tired and outdated and in need of modernisation".

Ellie Wrigglesworth, another supporter, commented: "A well-loved facility finally getting the upgrading it deserves to increase the benefits of outdoor education available for the local community and schools."

Haidee Gummer added: "This is a wonderful facility and the proposed changes will have far reaching benefits for years to come. I wholeheartedly support the proposal."

Richmond Council will make a decision on the application in due course.