As part of its overall programme of rejuvenating and revitalising Twickenham, the Council purchased three properties in King Street and Water Lane: 1, 1A, 1B King Street and 2/4 Water Lane (currently occupied by Santander, M&Co, Superdrug Stores and the car park to the rear).

Following an architectural competition, where pre-selected high-calibre architects were invited to submit their ideas for the area, Richmond Council awarded the contract to Quinlan and Francis Terry.

They will now present their ideas in a public exhibition in November. The exhibition will be based in a pop-up shop on Church Street from November – for a four week period. The exhibition will show the proposed plans, and residents and visitors to the exhibition will be able to have their say on various elements of the design, including materials. Consultation information will also be available online.

Cllr Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“We have always had the highest ambitions for Twickenham after so many years of neglect. We have already invested millions of pounds into improving the area, where we have improved the pavements, the highways, riverside and the general street scene. 

“But we have always said that it is our desire to improve the link between and the river to the high street. All the consultations we have carried out have shown that residents agree with this approach. 

“There are challenges to this development. It is important the designs are of a very high standard and we have this ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to get the best possible design. Right at the start of this process I promised a full consultation with local residents and businesses. We are taking the designs right to the high street –enabling as many people as possible to see the proposals and have their say.” 

The purchase will enable the Council to achieve the long-term ambition of the people of Twickenham. Years of ongoing public consultation shows support to see the corner building removed. The public space created will give a fresh focus to the town. The derelict car park and run-down buildings will be replaced by high quality publicly accessible space, with active frontages increasing the footfall to the award-winning Diamond Jubilee Gardens. 

The proposals follow a large number of public consultations on the future of the Town Centre, including: the Barefoot, Twickenham Conference, All in One surveys and the Twickenham Area Action Plan. 

Information regarding the dates and timings of the Pop-Up shop will be published in the next month.