Twickenham Riverside Regeneration Proposals: Public Exhibition & Consultation 13-17 February

7.02.08pm GMT Thu 31st Jan 2008

• RESIDENTS of Twickenham: we invite you to view and comment on the emerging proposals to bring this largely derelict site at the heart of Twickenham town centre back into public use.

Over the years, various plans have failed to gain public support and have fallen by the wayside. The aims have been to enhance the character of the riverside and the conservation area; promote the use and enjoyment of the river; provide as much public open space as possible and take account of the vehicular needs of residents, businesses and visitors - and residents and community groups have made it very clear that achieving these objectives must not be at the cost of an overdevelopment of this precious riverside site. In late 2006, following extensive public consultation, the Council decided to work in partnership with the Richmond Environment Trust* to put The River Centre* at the heart of any development.

With a café overlooking a children's play area, public toilets, a boathouse, a pontoon and a range of education, leisure and sporting activities for all, the River Centre will be a huge community asset and will breath life into Twickenham's river front. Through 2007, our consultations and discussions have continued, looking in detail at open space, community uses, traffic, parking, flooding and other environmental issues, including the need to invest in the fabric of the Embankment itself, and the type of enabling development that would be required in order to deliver a financially viable scheme. There is an emerging consensus, which we now want to consult you on so that a Development Brief can be produced for the regeneration of the site which has the maximum public support and tells potential developers what residents want.

This site has been a wasted asset for far too long, but now is your opportunity to change this. Whether you are a regular or infrequent visitor to Twickenham; whether you live in the town centre or further afield; whatever your age and whatever your interests in the riverside, the town or the environment - we want to hear your views now. Please take some time to visit the Exhibition and to check out the websites*, consider the emerging proposals and give us your views. This will really help to ensure that the Development Brief reflects the wishes of the whole community. Times: Feb 13 - 15: 10 am - 8 pm; Feb 16: 10 am - 5 pm; and Feb 17: 11 am - 4 pm. Also, the Twickenham Society will be discussing the proposals on the 18th February, 7.30pm at St Mary's Church Hall, Church St, Twickenham. All welcome.

Vincent Cable MP

Denise Carr, David Trigg and Michael Wilson [Riverside Cllrs]

Geoff Acton, Ben Khosa and Philip Morgan [North Twickenham Cllrs]

*The Council - Twickenham Riverside Regeneration: http://tinyurl.com/35ocbc;

Twickenham Riverside Development Brief: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/exhibition_panels_sep_07_landscape.pdf;

Richmond upon Thames Environment Trust: www.environmenttrust.co.uk/rcproject;

and The River Centre: www.rivercentre.org.uk