Thumbs-up for Richmond Town Centre transformation

5.59.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 20th May 2007

Plans to rejuvenate Richmond Town Centre are moving ahead after they won public backing in a wide-ranging consultation.

Over 1,000 residents and businesses returned questionnaires on 42 proposals to improve road safety and revitalise the street scene, creating a pedestrian and cycle-friendly town centre. An estimated 4,000 people also visited an information cabin on Lower George Street in March, where Council officers explained the £3m, TfL-funded project - the borough's biggest transport planning scheme in recent years. The consultation revealed that 17 of the scheme's 19 general proposals were supported by over 60 per cent of people. Residents were firmly in favour of resurfacing roads (89%), improving lighting (82%) and signage (86%), and controlling loading facilities for businesses (80%). There was also strong support for plans to introduce a 20mph zone in the town centre (68%) and around Richmond Green (61%). More than 60 per cent of people were in favour of 17 of the 23 site specific proposals, with strong support for a new zebra crossing on Bridge Street (79%), pavement widening at Hill Rise (76%) and secure cycle parking at Richmond Station (79%). Proposed changes to Clarence Street and Kew Road failed to win widespread support and will not be pursued. The Council will also continue discussions on loading times and designated bays with local businesses. Cllr David Trigg, Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, approved the plans in principle at a meeting of the Council's Transport Consultative Group this week. Subject to backing by the Council's Cabinet and TfL, work will begin this summer and be completed in 2009.

Cllr Trigg said:"I am delighted by the results of the consultation, which indicate a clear majority in favour of most of the proposals. This scheme will revitalise Richmond Town Centre and bring huge benefits to businesses, residents and visitors, but it's vital we first gain the support and understanding of local people. All changes must meet the needs of the community and that is why we will not be pursuing those ideas that met with clear opposition, such as the closure of Clarence Street to traffic. When approved by the Council and TfL, these improvements will boost road safety and create a pedestrian and cycle-friendly town centre. The proposed works at Richmond Station will also encourage more people to travel by public transport, aiding our efforts to promote sustainable transport. There is a lot of work still to be done but I'm hugely excited by the prospect of revitalising the borough's prime commercial centre."