Riverside development plan - 'a new heart for Twickenham'
The official planning application for the long-awaited redevelopment of Twickenham riverside has been published 'to create a new heart for Twickenham and reconnect the town to the river'.
Richmond Borough Council says the proposal 'hopes to end forty years of uncertainty and address the run-down buildings currently on the site'.
Significantly, it removes parking from the riverside, which is likely to be controversial, under a scheme the council says is designed to put people ahead of cars.
The plans include the demolition of buildings on the approach to the riverside and the erection of two new buildings on the site to offer a mix of housing, retail, a cafe and a pub.
The plans are expected to go to a planning committee later in the year.
A document published alongside the application states: "Twickenham Riverside is a key to the regeneration of the wider town centre.
The vision is to create a new heart for Twickenham and reconnect the town to the river."
The Council said the scheme is designed to deliver a series of core objectives:
- To deliver a compelling contribution to the architectural heritage of Twickenham.
- To strengthen the green character of Richmond upon Thames by enhancing the public realm through careful design.
- To create an exciting destination for residents and visitors that champions the river and builds upon Twickenham's identity.
- To provide a creative solution and riverfront experience which prioritises people over cars.
- To deliver affordable housing for those who need it.
- To achieve the objectives of the Twickenham Area Action Plan.
The document adds: "Through careful integration of building, landscape and riverfront experience, the team seeks to create a new flourishing centre for the local area, where people can enjoy the full beauty and utility of the riverside, improving the physical, social, and psychological links between the river and the town.
"A fully mixed-use development of shops, offices, workspaces, and social spaces together with a newly invigorated Diamond Jubilee Gardens, whilst respecting the needs of Eel Pie Island, will create a location where people can work, live, play, enjoy and thrive."
The upper levels of two new main buildings will consist of apartments ranging from studios to 3-bedroom flats, with 50% of them being affordable.
The document adds: "The revitalised gardens, kept elevated above the flood plain, provide new play space for old and young, with open views across the river. This space naturally extends into the riverside promenade, free of cars with ample opportunity to get close to the water.
"A new cafe in the Gardens, overlooking the play area, and a new pub / restaurant at the end of the square will create excellent destination points for residents and visitors."
The proposals, drawn up by Hopkins Architects, are the results of a design competition and months of consultations with residents and
business groups. Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "These proposals present such an opportunity for Twickenham and they deliver what residents have been asking for decades; a beautiful riverside park right in the heart of Twickenham. "Hopkins have done a first-rate job in working around the site's constraints, not least the issue of flooding, and have created a truly exceptional design which will really showcase the local area and become a magnet for residents and visitors alike. "I've been so pleased to see how local residents, businesses and groups have got involved through the engagements process and the design is very much a product of their involvement. "We finally have a design of which we can all be proud and I hope everyone is as excited as I am to see construction start on site."
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