Release Date: 22/08/2008
A period open space off George Street has been revamped into a peaceful urban haven right in the centre of Richmond upon Thames.
Victoria Place was recently rejuvenated as the first part of the Richmond Town Centre project, a £4 million major town centre renewal scheme funded by Transport for London’s Area Based Schemes programme.
Improvements included replacing the entire street’s footways with high quality granite setts and York stone paving in a mix of colours that fit in better with the surrounding area and visually lighten the streetscape.
More traditional lighting has also been introduced in the form of Windsor Heritage lanterns installed on Windsor columns. As well as being aesthetically more appropriate for this historic area, the new lamps produce a sodium white light that increases visibility and, consequently, improves safety.
All materials have been carefully chosen to last the test of time, brighten the area and create aesthetic continuity with the rest of the town centre.
The overall renewal scheme aims to increase the amount and quality of space for pedestrians and improve traffic management.
In the next few months, works will also be carried out on George Street, Hill Street and Castle Yard.
Cllr David Trigg, Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, said:
“I am delighted with the works carried out on the renewal programme so far and with the effective working relationship established with TfL.
“The scheme represents an important improvement to the quality of the local environment, which will no doubt impact positively on the quality of life of local residents.
"When planning the works, we to sought to upgrade the area in terms of access, safety and aesthetics for visitors and residents alike.”
Anthony O'Keeffe, TfL Assistant Programme Manager, said: "The Victoria Place developmentis the first element of a major regenerationfor one of London's strategic town centres which will provide local residents and shoppers with a safer, more accessible environment in a high quality public realm.”