Twickenham Riverside in Arcadia

Bright Future for Riverside - latest Arcadia feature

Arcadia Cover - with Sir David Attenborough

The former swimming pool site on Twickenham’s riverside has been largely derelict for 28 years. After numerous failed attempts, Richmond Council has a plan to bring the site into use, and it has been backed by Sir David Attenborough.

It is intended that the works will be carried out by the Council in partnership with Countryside Properties Ltd the preferred developer and the Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames.

Subject to planning permission, the scheme will include an educational River Centre, children’s new play area, green open space and better quality walkways, as well as a small number of homes, which will be sold to finance the project, ensuring there is no cost to the tax payer.

The project has been supported by borough resident Sir David Attenborough who is a patron of the Environment Trust of Richmond upon Thames. Sir David, who was shown all three of the shortlisted proposals for the redevelopment, said: “I delighted the scheme by Countryside and their architect Clive Chapman has been chosen by the evaluation panel. It is certainly the one with which I was most impressed. It seems to be a very elegant and appropriate solution.

“The River Centre is cleverly integrated into the overall development and relates particularly well to the new public open space and playground. Together they will provide a lively focus for activity on the embankment and will be a great benefit for the town. The Environment Trust and the Council have shown admirable commitment through their partnership to ending the dereliction of the site and giving it a positive future. I look forward to further good progress so that the innovative riverside proposal can become a reality.”

In 2003, the Council launched a public competition for local groups to come forward with ideas for a community use for this part of this site. This resulted, in 2006, with the selection of the Richmond Environment Trust’s proposal for a River Centre building.

The wider scheme will contribute to the re-vitalising of this part of Twickenham. The new centre aims to serve the community by helping everyone to enjoy the river and learn about its biodiversity. It will include a boat house, Thames aquarium and education centre and will celebrate the riverside heritage of Twickenham.

Cllr Serge Lourie, Leader of the Council explained more about the plans: “We made our final decision only after extensive consultation where members of the public gave their views. These were carefully considered before the Cabinet came to a unanimous decision in favour of Countryside.

“In 2006 we promised to resolve this issue once and for all. We finally have a plan that will do just this. The scheme we have chosen will enhance the riverside and contribute to the entire town centre, while striking the right balance between new public open space, community facilities and housing.

“Most importantly, this development will not be an additional burden on taxpayers. In the current economic climate, I cannot stress enough the need to be prudent with public money.

“There has been consistent opposition from some quarters of the community to our plans. Unfortunately, no realistic alternatives have been put forward and those that have would cost a lot of money that we simply do not have.”