Richmond Council has unveiled £1.5 million plans to transform its town centre with a new public square, free play area, and enhanced greenery. Central to the vision is transforming Whittaker Square and Avenue into a vibrant public space hosting small-scale events, markets, and performances, with an estimated cost of £250,000.
The council plans to install new seating and plants while reallocating some parking spaces to address what it describes as "the current lack of a 'town square' destination."
A central children's play area, budgeted at £150,000, aims to fill a gap in family-friendly facilities and make the town centre more welcoming.
Improving navigation across the town centre and riverside is another priority, with £220,000 allocated for new signs, totems, information boards, and local trails.
The council is also proposing to transform George Street into a pedestrian-friendly "standout area," with potential features including extra seating and greenery. A £200,000 budget has been set aside for detailed modelling to finalize these proposals, which would require additional funding for delivery.
Further work will be carried out to develop the proposals in consultation with residents and businesses before confirming detailed costs.
While the total budget for the projects is £1.5 million, the council expects overall costs to be higher once the George Street improvements are finalized, necessitating additional funding. The works are expected to be completed by 2028 if fully approved.
A report by council officers noted that Richmond town centre, despite being a "hugely popular tourist attraction," faces national high street challenges. It stated: "As such, Richmond must also adjust by providing more diverse offers that will retain footfall and enhance day-to-day experiences. A clear vision, combined with a grounded, incremental action plan has been developed to ensure the town continues to thrive and can support the demand for change."
The wider vision includes medium- to long-term projects without current funding, such as regular pedestrianisation of the high street, reducing Duke Lane to a single lane, removing parking from King Street, and turning Old Palace Lane into a pocket park. Other proposals include floating features on the River Thames, improving Richmond Green, converting the lending library into a youth hub, tackling empty shops, and upgrading the space outside Richmond Station.
Officers will seek funding at future committees as resources become available. The council's Finance Committee will vote on advancing the four priority projects on June 22.
