People, place, and purpose: Richmond’s Town Centre breathes new life

Richmond’s first-of-its-kind Centre Stage Festival last weekend showed what’s possible when we reimagine our High Street as a place for culture, connection, and community, writes Councillor Katie Mansfield, Lead Member for Richmond Town Centre.

Richmond’s Town Centre came alive last weekend with Centre Stage Richmond, our first-ever festival of music, culture, and creativity. Despite the showers, hundreds of people gathered to enjoy live music, street theatre, family workshops, craft markets, and more. The atmosphere was fantastic – a reminder of what happens when community, culture, and local businesses come together.

For me, this event was more than just a great weekend. It marked the first step in a much bigger journey: shaping a new vision for Richmond High Street. 

Our high street matters

Richmond is blessed with so much: beautiful architecture, a vibrant riverside, historic streets, green open spaces, and a unique blend of Surrey market town charm with the energy and diversity of Central London. These qualities give Richmond its character, but like high streets everywhere, ours also faces tough challenges.

Shopping habits are changing, with people increasingly buying online or at out-of-town centres. Our High Street needs to offer more than just retail. When we asked residents what they wanted, the responses were clear: people are looking for experiences, a sense of place, and spaces to spend time together – more opportunities for young people, and welcoming spaces for older residents.

At the same time, councils across the country are being asked to do more with less, as government funding is reduced. That’s why reimagining Richmond High Street isn’t optional – it’s essential.

Listening, learning, and planning

Over the past year, I’ve been fortunate to work with officers at Richmond Council and our creative partners Hemingway Design and We Made That. Together, we’ve been listening to residents, engaging with businesses, and thinking about what Richmond needs – not just today, but for the future.

The vision we are now working towards is clear: a bustling town centre that celebrates Richmond’s heritage and diversity, champions and protects our green and blue spaces, and supports local business, culture, and community life.

Centre Stage Richmond

Centre Stage Richmond was the first tangible expression of this vision. By animating the High Street with music, theatre, markets, and workshops, we demonstrated how public space can become a stage for creativity and connection. Families came together, independent businesses saw a lift in footfall, and residents rediscovered what makes Richmond so special

Early steps: piloting, testing, and feedback

We will take the lessons learnt from Centre Stage to curate the best experiences for the High Street, benefiting both community and businesses.

Next, our focus will be the Riverside, piloting and testing short-term initiatives that showcase one of Richmond’s greatest assets. We will work with partners at Thames Landscape Strategy to share knowledge, encourage play, and protect the space.

Looking ahead: a long-term approach

We’re not stopping there. The long-term plan is about creating a town centre that blooms well into the future.

Using feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors, alongside data from our pilots, we are shaping a thorough, inclusive plan. Richmond’s High Street will be welcoming, accessible, and resilient – a place for everyone.

The success of Centre Stage Richmond proves what’s possible when residents, businesses, and partners work together towards a shared vision.

And this is just the beginning…

With creativity, collaboration, and a clear sense of purpose, we can make Richmond Town Centre not just survive the challenges of the modern high street, but flourishes – as a place we can be proud of, a sustainable and vibrant community hub for generations to come.

More information

Find out more about the vision for Richmond town centre.

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