Richmond is expecting big changes in 2025, including the regeneration of derelict land by the River Thames, progress in rebuilding a council estate and a long-awaited decision on plans to build a new neighbourhood.

Richmond Council will press ahead with major schemes this year, which will shape the borough in years to come.

The authority has also expanded its Fairer Access Scheme to make sure low-income residents are not priced out of going to leisure facilities to keep fit and healthy.

The scheme provides discounts or free access to some activities at public sports and fitness centres in Richmond, with details of the offers available and who is eligible available on the council's website.

New Mortlake neighbourhood decision

The fate of controversial plans to build a 1,075-home neighbourhood on the banks of the River Thames in Mortlake will be revealed this year. A public inquiry into the long-delayed scheme for the former Stag Brewery site was held in November and December last year.

Planning inspector Glen Rollings is set to publish his decision on whether the development, which only proposes 65 affordable homes among more than 1,000, should go ahead in the coming months.

Developer Reselton Properties and Richmond Council were represented at the inquiry in support of the scheme, along with those opposed to it, such as the Greater London Authority (GLA), Mortlake Brewery Community Group (MBCG) and West London River Group (WLRG), who all raised objections.

The proposals are for 1,075 homes to be built in blocks up to nine storeys tall on the site, along with restaurants, shops, offices, a cinema and space for a hotel or pub. Another application, which completes the scheme, is for a 1,200-place secondary school.

Twickenham Riverside transformation

Construction work to regenerate Twickenham Riverside will begin this year, after more than 40 years of uncertainty.

The scheme will see 45 new homes built on the part-derelict site, including 50 per cent affordable housing, along with shops, cafés, waterside activities and new open space.

The Diamond Jubilee Gardens will be moved to a new, larger area on the site under the plans.

The council approved the scheme in 2022, but it had to wait until 2023 to be granted a compulsory purchase order for the gardens so it could go ahead. The authority is set to begin construction work early this year, which is expected to last until 2027.

CGI of the revised scheme for the former Stag Brewery site in Mortlake. Credit: Reselton Properties Limited

Ham Close regeneration

Works to regenerate Ham Close Estate, in Ham, will continue in 2025, after the first phase began last year. The council approved plans to knock down and rebuild the estate in 2022.

The council built the estate in the early 1960s but transferred it, along with all other housing stock it owned, to social landlord Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) in 2000.

The scheme from RHP and developer Hill Residential involves knocking down and rebuilding the 192-home estate with 452 new homes, including 221 affordable homes, community facilities and green spaces.

Community centre replacement

The replacement of Elleray Hall in Teddington will finally be completed this year, after the project was hit by delays when the original contractor pulled out in early 2023.

Works to build the new community centre, which is being moved to North Lane (East) car park, began last year following the appointment of contractors Beard to take over the project.

Once services have moved into the new community centre, the existing facility will be demolished to make way for 16 affordable homes and private gardens.

A CGI impression of Elleary Hall (image via planning application)