A STUNNING English town is set to undergo a £1.5 million revamp in plans revealed by the council.
Previously voted the “UK’s best place to live”, the plans include a new public square and “floating river features”.
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A stunning English town reveals plans for a £1.5 million revamp Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
The project includes plans for a new town square, kids play area and greenery Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
A London town will be undergoing a major £1.5 million transformation, as revealed in new proposals by the council.
Richmond is set to see a new public square, free play area and upgraded green spaces as part of the plans.
The plans currently have budget allocated to four principal projects, with a number of other proposals set to occur if funding is allocated.
A core part of the project includes a major transformation of Whittaker Square and Avenue, with the council setting aside £250,000 to turn the area into a lively public space for events, markets and performances.
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The proposal looks to address the “current lack of a ‘town square’ destination” by installing new seating and plants, as well as converting some of the parking areas into the new space.
Plans for a £150,000 children’s play area are also in the development proposal, aiming to address the lack of family focused space currently available in the town.
A further £220,000 has been committed to improving the area’s infrastructure, including new and improved road signs, totems, information boards and local trails.
The council is also planning to transform George Street into a pedestrian “standout area”, with the possibility of introducing seating and greenery later down the line.
Currently, £200,000 has been allocated for detailed modelling for the proposals which will then increase to deliver the project.
A budget of £1.5 million has been set aside for the project, however it is speculated to cost more once final proposals are completed.
Work is expected to be carried out by 2028, providing all the plans go ahead.
A report released by Richmond Council has said the revamp to the town centre is due to the current challenges facing UK high streets, and despite the area being a “hugely popular tourist attraction”, Richmond is not immune to the situation.
It said: “As such, Richmond must also adjust by providing more diverse offers that will retain footfall and enhance day-to-day experiences. A clear vision, combined with a grounded, incremental action plan has been developed to ensure the town continues to thrive and can support the demand for change.”
A number of other projects are detailed within the proposal but do not currently have funding, including pedestrianisation of the high street for events and the introduction of floating features onto the River Thames.
The council will ask for budget for these features at a future meeting and if funding is allocated, they are expected to be completed in the mid to long term.
Richmond Council’s Finance Committee will vote on moving forward with the four principal projects on June 22.
