News

Richmond Council criticises government over unfair funding reforms

The Deputy Leader and Finance Lead for Richmond Council has expressed serious concerns over the government’s latest radical plans for redistributing resources across the country (known as Fair Funding Reforms), warning that the current approach risks penalising responsible councils and placing an unsustainable burden on local taxpayers.

Council news | 30 Jun 25

Join in a week of free Active Together sports and activities

Get ready for an action-packed week of free activities at Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre and Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre.

Council news | 26 Jun 25

New strategy to strengthen prevention and inclusion in sexual and reproductive health

On 26 June, as we mark Relationships and Sex Education Day (RSE Day), we are proud to officially launch a new five-year Sexual and Reproductive Health Partnership Strategy.

Council news | 26 Jun 25

'Firmly into delivery': Major step forward for Twickenham Riverside regeneration

Richmond Council has confirmed a major step forward in the long-awaited regeneration of Twickenham Riverside, with funding now approved to support delivering the scheme.

Council news | 26 Jun 25

Reflections on Refugee Week 2025

As Sanctuary Champion, I’m delighted that Refugee Week 2025 heralded a series of exciting and meaningful events and conversations across Richmond. Bringing together sanctuary seekers, voluntary sector partners, artists, musicians, poets, and residents, we celebrated the theme “Community as Superpower”.

Council blog | 26 Jun 25

Refugee Week highlights from local partners

Hear from our Refugee Week Grant recipients as they share how their community-led events celebrated the resilience, culture, and contributions of refugees across the borough.

Council blog | 26 Jun 25

Free NPLQ lifeguard training available this summer

This summer, we are again offering free lifeguard training opportunities to residents over 16 years old.

Council news | 25 Jun 25

Richmond Council reaffirms commitment to democratic governance amid proposed changes

The government announced yesterday their intention to legislate for the abolition of the committee system in local government, a move that would reduce the role of elected councillors in decision-making.

Council news | 25 Jun 25

Cargo bikes take centre stage at Old Deer Park

Watch the highlights from the borough’s first-ever Cargo Bike Fair, held on Sunday 15 June at Old Deer Park in Richmond.

Council news | 25 Jun 25

Get involved in climate chats in our borough this summer

Climate conversations aren’t just happening in formal meetings, they’re unfolding in pubs, churches and community centres. Share your views and be part of our journey toward a greener, more sustainable borough.

Council news | 25 Jun 25

Major £30m healthcare and education boost for Richmond upon Thames welcomed by Council

Richmond’s Barnes Hospital is set to become a hub for high-quality mental health and education services, thanks to a major £30 million investment, with construction officially launched today at a ground breaking ceremony attended by patients, carers, NHS staff, and councillors.

Council news | 24 Jun 25

Come along to Strawberry Hill Community Choir’s summer concert

On Tuesday 1 July, residents are invited to join Strawberry Hill Community Choir and their Musical Director James Speakman for a delightful evening.

Community news | Strawberry Hill Community Choir | 24 Jun 25

Garden of Sanctuary unveiled, honouring Richmond’s refugee heritage

A commemorative York stone has been installed at Warren Gardens in Twickenham, officially marking the green space as the Borough’s first Garden of Sanctuary – a welcoming place that recognises stories of refuge and offers a safe haven for all.

Council news | 23 Jun 25

Celebrate 125 years of motoring in Twickenham

On Saturday 5 July, come along to a special event marking 125 years since the New Orleans Voiturette first went on sale.

Community news | St Margarets Fair | 23 Jun 25

Acting local, thinking global: Accelerating Richmond’s climate action

Running from 21 to 29 June, London Climate Action Week brings together climate organisations and communities across the capital to inspire conversations and accelerate global action.

Council blog | 23 Jun 25

World Refugee Day

Today is World Refugee Day when the world honours the strength and courage of people who have sought sanctuary away from their home country.

Council news | 20 Jun 25

Richmond’s first Cargo Bike Fair draws community and pedals a message of change

Richmond’s first-ever Cargo Bike Fair drew crowds to Old Deer Park on Sunday 15 June, with a festival atmosphere and a clear message: cycling can be fun, family-friendly – and practical.

Council news | 19 Jun 25

Organisations unite to tackle violence against women and girls at community forum

Professionals and organisations from across the borough came together this summer for the latest instalment of the VAWG Community Forum, focused on strengthening collaboration and empowering services to better support survivors.

Council news | 18 Jun 25

Join Richmond Shakespeare Society for a play by junior actors

This Friday 20 to Sunday 22 June, enjoy Shakespeare is Dead, a new play devised by members of the society’s Junior Actors’ Company and their leader, Jenny Tucker.

Community news | Richmond Shakespeare Society | 18 Jun 25

Enjoy Krapp's Last Tape in Twickenham

On Friday 4 and Saturday 5 July, don’t miss your chance to experience Academy Award nominee Stockard Channing's critically acclaimed production of Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape.

Community news | The Exchange | 18 Jun 25

Growth, jobs and investment: South London sets bold ambition with landmark new vision

A bold new vision to accelerate South London’s economy, attract new investment, and support more people into well-paid, secure jobs, was launched today by the South London Partnership.

Council news | 17 Jun 25

Have your say on a brighter Tangier Green Play Area

We're inviting local residents and community groups to share their views on a proposal to introduce automatic evening lighting at the Tangier Green Play Area – helping young children enjoy more time to play and stay active, even as the evenings get darker.

Council news | 17 Jun 25

Building stronger connections through Met Engage

The Metropolitan Police is introducing Met Engage - a refreshed, community-focused approach to policing.

Community news | Met Engage | 17 Jun 25

Record third win for Richmond: £200k secured to resurface Hampton Court Road

Richmond Council has become the first London borough to secure the maximum amount of funding for the third year in a row to further improve the borough’s road network.

Council news | 16 Jun 25

Refugee Week 2025: Funding community-led welcome initiatives

Launched in October last year, the Borough of Sanctuary Grant Scheme has recently awarded over £63,000 in funding to seven non-profit groups and organisations.

Council news | 16 Jun 25

Recognising, supporting and celebrating people with learning disabilities

Learning Disability Awareness Week (16 to 22 June) celebrates the contributions of people with learning disabilities and learn about the local support available. Find out how to get involved.

Council news | 13 Jun 25

Stay cool during warm weather

With temperatures on the rise, it's important to look after your health and the wellbeing of those around you.

Council news | 13 Jun 25

Love to sing? Come along to free trial session at Whitton Community Centre

This Saturday (14 June), Whitton Adult Community Singing invites adults of any ability level to join them in preparing for their summer open session.

Community news | Whitton Adult Community Singing | 13 Jun 25

Help make High Tide Festival happen

The organisers of the High Tide Festival are calling on the community to help bring this much-loved event to life next month.

Community news | High Tide Festival | 13 Jun 25

Spending Review ‘ambitious in scope’ – but Richmond Council urges clarity and fair funding

Clarity on how the Government’s new funding pledges will benefit local communities is needed, says the Leader of Richmond Council, responding to this week’s Spending Review.

Council news | 12 Jun 25

Create and connect at Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival

The Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival (RAIF) kicks off this Friday, and we invite all residents and visitors to join us for two weeks of performances, talks, workshops and creative encounters across the borough.

Council news | 12 Jun 25

Join Clean Sheen 2025 for a greener community

This June, join your neighbours and local conservation charity Habitats & Heritage to tidy up the streets of East Sheen, as well as Palewell Common and Sheen Common.

Community news | Habitats & Heritage | 12 Jun 25

CEO opportunity with Richmond CVS

Richmond CVS is currently looking for an inspirational leader to build on their excellent reputation and take them into the next phase of its development.

Community news | Richmond CVS | 12 Jun 25

Marking 65 years of international friendship and a shared future

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of welcoming friends and partners from our twinned towns - Fontainebleau in France and Konstanz in Germany - for a programme of events marking the 65th anniversary of our twinning relationships.

Council blog | 12 Jun 25

Share your views on e-bikes and e-scooters

We want to hear your views on e-bikes to help inform our future approach to hire schemes in the borough.

Council news | 11 Jun 25

New training supports park staff to promote respectful behaviour in Richmond’s green spaces

Park staff across Richmond upon Thames are taking part in specialist bystander training to help them respond confidently and appropriately if they witness unacceptable behaviour, as part of our ongoing work to keep public spaces welcoming for everyone.

Council news | 11 Jun 25

Hear about the air we share this Clean Air Day

Thursday 19 June is Clean Air Day and residents are invited to stop by our free pop-up stalls to learn about air quality across the borough. Don’t miss our free art workshops, where you can contribute to a collective tree-inspired artwork.

Council news | 11 Jun 25

Girls Golf Rocks is back to inspire young golfers this summer

Whether you're completely new to golf or just curious, come along to summer camps at Strawberry Hill Golf Club!

Community news | Girls Golf Rocks | 11 Jun 25

Calling all 16 to 21 year olds: Make your summer meaningful!

Community news | Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust | 11 Jun 25

Petersham Road to benefit from resurfacing works as part of record £21 million investment

Improvement works will begin on Petersham Road later this month, as part of our ambitious £21 million investment programme to upgrade roads and pavements across the borough.

Council news | 10 Jun 25

Spend Father’s Day in Richmond Town Centre

This Father’s Day on Sunday 15 June, why not make a day of it in Richmond Town Centre?

Council news | 10 Jun 25

Find out more about innovative cycle parking with Cyclehoop

This Sunday (15 June) be sure to stop by the Cyclehoop stand at the Richmond Cargo Bike Fair in Old Deer Park. We will be supplying cycle parking for the event and will also be showcasing our innovative solutions for cargo bike parking.

Community news | Cyclehoop | 10 Jun 25

Bring your class or group to the Elleray Centre

Calling all tutors, instructors and hobby group leaders! Register your interest and find out more about the excellent rooms available for hire at the Elleray Centre early this autumn.

Community news | Elleray Community Association | 10 Jun 25

New state-of-the-art E-Sports Arena opening this month

St Mary’s University has announced the opening of its new E-Sports Arena, offering an immersive space for gaming, training, and innovation.

Community news | St Mary’s University | 10 Jun 25

Come along to energy advice drop-in

On Tuesday 10 June, join Neighbourhood Watch's drop-in event to learn about upcoming changes to energy meters.

Community news | Neighbourhood Watch | 10 Jun 25

Get ahead of the game and get your health checked this Men’s Health Week

This Men’s Health week (9 June - 15 June) we’re shining a spotlight on key services and support available in the borough to support men’s health and wellbeing.

Council news | 09 Jun 25

Support those who support others this Carers Week

Taking place from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 June, Carers Week celebrates the tremendous contribution of those who care for a loved one and raises awareness of the local support available to carers in our community.

Council news | 06 Jun 25

Tackling housing challenges together

I’m honoured to be taking on the role of Lead Member for Housing at Richmond Council. It’s a huge responsibility and a vital one.

Council blog | 06 Jun 25

The value of friendship between cities

In an age where distances feel increasingly short but differences can still divide us, the value of friendship between cities takes on renewed meaning.

Partner blog by Julien Gondard | 06 Jun 25

Free programmes supporting business leaders

We’re excited to introduce our latest support for local entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Council news | 05 Jun 25

Celebrate creativity with Arts Richmond this summer

Explore and engage with the borough’s vibrant artistic scene through the Art House Open Studios Festival and the Arts Richmond Artist of the Year Competition 2025.

Community news | Arts Richmond | 05 Jun 25

Orleans Park School students deepen European twinning bonds in Konstanz

Last month, nine Richmond students visited Konstanz as part of our Twinning Reaffirmation. In this blog, they share their enriching experience in cultural exchange and European collaboration.

Council blog | 05 Jun 25

Refugee Week 2025: Celebrating Community as a Superpower

This Refugee Week, we are proudly celebrating a welcoming, inclusive place for all with a packed event calendar. We are also proudly marking one year as an accredited Borough of Sanctuary.

Council news | 04 Jun 25

Small Steps seeking new Chair of Trustees

Small Steps is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to lead the local charity at this critical and exciting time.

Community news | Small Steps | 04 Jun 25

Looking for connection? Find support with Kew Neighbourhood Association

With Loneliness Awareness Week taking place from 9 to 15 June, it is a good time to reflect on the power of small acts of kindness, and the importance of staying connected.

Community news | Kew Neighbourhood Association | 04 Jun 25

Standing together: Why twinning still matters

This year marks a very special moment for Konstanz: the reaffirmation of our twinning relationships with Richmond upon Thames and Fontainebleau. In times like these - marked by uncertainty, change, and global challenges - these longstanding bonds between cities carry more meaning than ever.

Council blog | 04 Jun 25