Community Conversation 2021
The Community Conversation 2021 was a series of online events, hosted by local ward councillors, with a cabinet member representative at each event.
2021 ward events
The last programme of community conversations ran online from June to October 2021.
This programme was a series of dedicated discussions on the Future of our high streets and town centres.
Residents were invited to join the Council and have their say on the future of their local high street or town centre, sharing their vision and ideas in a series of virtual community engagement events, as well as to put questions to their local councillors about other key issues.
Ahead of the events we took to the streets around the borough, to see what people think. Watch the video on YouTube.
Summary of feedback from the events
Identity of the high street:
- Overall residents and businesses are positive about their local centres and would like to see them thrive. Some admitted to not shopping locally, citing online shopping as the reason, or else they shop where they work.
- High Streets as unique offerings are important and there is a desire to see creative planning, that serve local needs - should not be homogenous and dominated by the same brands
- Vacancies on the high streets were noted and there is a desire to avoid further closures and to repurpose existing vacant premises.
- Independent businesses are seen as important to the High Street and a number of shops and restaurants were named that are greatly loved and appreciated by the community.
- Placemaking is seen as important and there is a desire for public realm changes to emphasise this where possible.
Full range of shops and services for locals:
- Loss of key services (banks, post offices etc) are noted and seen as detrimental to an area – in some areas all banks have vacated.
- Small businesses and start-ups need to be supported, encouraged, and incentivised
- Sustainable options are seen as important and the way forward, such as zero-waste or repair shops. High Streets that encourage the circular economy and sustainable futures.
- In some areas a need for greater variety and bigger choice of restaurants were identified.
Flexible community spaces:
- Riverside space should be well utilised for providing community meeting points and al-fresco dining.
- A good balance between pedestrianised spaces and travel routes is seen as important.
- Spaces should be used flexibly to provide places for interest groups, classes and hybrid working
- 'Green and Clean' high streets are a priority.
Activity hubs:
- Local events are important and people would like to see more of them; easily accessible and well promoted, cultural events held regularly, such as art trails, community exhibitions, live music, summer fairs and festivals. It should be made easier to organise events / navigate regulations and requirements.
- Markets and farmers markets that are regular and have a lot on offer are popular and there is a desire to have more of them more often.
- Provision of activities and facilities for children were mentioned.
Connected and accessible:
- Streets and roads- should not be congested and dominated by traffic or clutter. However, access by car remains important for people with fewer alternative travel options, and despite demand for less congestion, more parking was often also requested.
- Parking spaces, EV points and bike storage areas should be installed where needed, with clear signposting
- Street, shops, and services should be easily accessible for the elderly and disabled
- A connected borough - easy to travel between town centres without driving should be a priority.
- Digital solutions should be used creatively to support town centres
Visitor economy:
- Visitor economy is important, especially to businesses in some areas and sectors and play an important role in helping to keep businesses open and available to local people.
- Some popular areas of the borough were subject to intensive use during the pandemic and a feeling that this could be better managed
- Customer service in businesses seen as key to winning customers back from online shopping
- Areas, events, places should be promoted locally and further afield.
| Area | Date | Videos |
|---|---|---|
|
North Richmond and South Richmond |
Wednesday 23 June 2021 Read minutes for 23 June
|
Watch the video (23 June 2021, YouTube) |
|
Kew |
Tuesday 6 July 2021 Read minutes for 6 July
|
|
| Teddington, Hampton Wick, Fulwell and Hampton Hill |
Wednesday 14 July 2021 |
|
| East Sheen, Mortlake and Barnes Common |
Tuesday 20 July 2021 |
|
| Hampton and Hampton North |
Wednesday 15 September 2021, 6.30pm |
|
| Barnes |
Thursday 23 September 2021, 6.30pm |
|
| Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside |
Thursday 30 September 2021, 6.30pm |
|
| West Twickenham and South Twickenham |
Tuesday 5 October 2021, 6.30pm |
|
| Whitton and Heathfield |
Wednesday 6 October 2021, 6.30pm |
|
| Twickenham Riverside, St Margarets and North Twickenham |
Wednesday 13 October 2021 |
(pdf, 135 KB)Updated: 09 March 2023
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