Richmond Council's Finance, Policy and Resources Committee has approved an additional £16.8m investment into the Twickenham Riverside regeneration scheme, bringing the total investment to £37m.

The decision, made on 25 June, means the main construction phase of the long-awaited project can now commence.

It will deliver 45 residential homes, including 21 affordable units, as well as commercial spaces for shops and restaurants.

Richmond's Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Finance and Resources, Councillor Jim Millard, said: "This isn't just an investment for Twickenham – it's for the whole borough.

"It brings much-needed housing, independent shops and restaurants, and a vibrant open space for all, with a renewed sense of connectivity to the town centre in a way that will benefit generations to come."

The scheme, originally approved on 24 November 2022, faced significant delays due to the Council's use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) after negotiations with third parties failed.

In a report to the committee, the Council stated: "The CPO process has significantly delayed the delivery programme.

"The process not only incurred significant legal and associated fees but also resulted in increases in the overall scheme costs, predominantly due to construction cost inflation and redesigns required to meet new building regulations."

"The CPO has delayed the realisation of benefits not just for Twickenham town centre but also the delivery of much-needed affordable housing."

At a committee meeting on 19 January 2023, the total project cost was estimated at £49.58m and approved based on soft market rates provided by the Council's cost consultant, Arcadis.

At that time, the scheme had not been fully market tested according to Council's cost consultant. The revised total project budget now stands at £67.187m.

An artist impression of the completed Twickenham Riverside Regeneration scheme (credit: Planning application).

The Council also confirmed that Phase 1 enabling works have been completed. These include:

• Erection of site hoardings
• Tree clearance
• Archaeological investigations
• BT works to relocate the junction box at the top of Water Lane in preparation for junction widening
• Storage of heritage items
• Installation of a concrete base for a UKPN substation to supply temporary contractors

Phase 2 enabling works will now begin, including trial pit investigations and the demolition of the King Street units and associated outbuildings.

Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Gareth Roberts, said: "Twickenham's riverside has been the subject of ambition and discussion for many years.

"We now have the funding and approvals in place to move into full delivery – and residents will soon see the transformation taking shape."

"This is a bold scheme with the community's interests at its centre, one that will unlock the riverside's potential and bring long-term benefits to the borough.

"Our focus is on making good on our promise: to deliver a riverside that's active, accessible, and proudly rooted in the community."

The Council expects main construction work to begin by the end of this year, with the project scheduled for completion by autumn 2027.

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