Exploring the appetite for a new civic space for Richmond
If you’ve taken a stroll by the river in Richmond over the past few weeks, you’ll have noticed that Whittaker Avenue, the cobbled square outside the Old Town Hall, is looking a little different at the moment.
Prior to August, this pretty space overlooking the War Memorial and the towpath was given over to cars and vans. There were five parking spaces, and vehicles used the area for deliveries, turning, waiting and picking up or dropping off passengers.
But this summer, all that changed. Working in partnership with Richmond Council, Be Richmond installed a semi-permanent garden (or ‘parklet’) in the square. Just like the other open spaces around the town centre, it is open to all and free to use – and it will remain in place until after Christmas.
But why is it there? This article explains the background to this important placemaking project, and how Be Richmond is exploring the local appetite for a new civic space for Richmond.
A Future Vision for Richmond
In 2019, in partnership with the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames (LBRuT), Be Richmond commissioned a placemaking study to explore how Richmond town centre could continue to grow and thrive.
The study, entitled A Future Vision for Richmond, proposes enhancements that could create a more resilient and joined-up town centre, such as improving the experience for residents, workers and visitors as they arrive here, move around and discover its hidden gems.
One of the key enhancements suggested is the creation of a new public space in Whittaker Avenue. The location of this area has the potential to bind together the town centre and the towpath, allowing an easier transition between the bustling high street and the serene riverside setting.
Phase 1, Autumn 2021: Collaboration, Funding and Testing
In 2021, Be Richmond secured a grant from the Mayor of London’s High Streets for All Challenge Fund to create and deliver a pilot scheme that would test the concept of a new civic square in Whittaker Avenue.
In collaboration with the LBRuT Town Centre Working Group, we designed a ‘pop-up’ public space by suspending the use of five parking bays, and in Autumn 2021 a temporary garden was installed using planters and banners to define the space. We added freestanding picnic tables and festoon lighting, along with a robust gazebo for shelter.
A pilot scheme ran from October to December 2021 and allowed us to capture the way in which the space was used; the impact it had on traffic, loading and parking; and participation in cultural activities.
Over six weeks, an estimated 700 people attended and participated in programmed events, with family workshops and dance-based activities proving the most popular. Over 80% of attendees were local, aged between thirty-six and forty-five, and had come specifically to attend an activity hosted in the space.
This initial pilot scheme allowed us to begin to understand the potential of Whittaker Avenue, and gave local businesses and residents the chance to imagine an improved use for the square as a cultural and civic hub at the heart of the community.
Phase 2, Summer, Autumn and Winter 2022: Extended Pilot Scheme
The second phase of the Whittaker Avenue Pilot Scheme launched on 13th August 2022, when the Mayor of Richmond cut the ribbon to open the new and improved Whittaker Avenue garden once again.
This time, greater investment was made into improved infrastructure and furnishing, with a higher specification build to better reflect the quality of its permanent surroundings. It was also decided that the garden’s theme would transition with the seasons – from summer, through autumn and into winter – with the associated need for sturdy overhead cover as well as decorative touches.
Since its launch, the space at Whittaker Avenue has proved extremely successful with visitors. During the late summer, a programme of local musicians attracted a total audience of over 3,000 to enjoy free entertainment as they relaxed with friends and colleagues after work. More informally, Richmond’s residents, workers and tourists have used the space to rest or eat their lunch, hold meetings, and play with their children. The grass pony bench has been a particular draw!
What happens next?
The Be Richmond garden will remain in place until the end of December, and will host a variety of events and entertainment throughout the autumn and winter, including the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony. Look out for changes as we move towards Remembrance weekend and Christmas, and find out more about the free Half Term and Christmas entertainment on offer in our What’s On Guide.
Feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive and local Councillors support the move to create spaces that value people over vehicles. Once the temporary garden is removed at the end of December 2022, Be Richmond will report their findings from this pilot project to LBRuT to inform any further consultation into a more permanent change of use for this space.
The design of the current, temporary installation by no means represents any future design for a permanent, civic square in Whittaker Avenue. The Town Centre Working Group envisages an elegant, piazza-style space that is fully in keeping with Richmond’s heritage and landscape, using high quality materials that complement and enhance the existing public realm.
Any community consultation and resulting delivery of a new civic square would be led, managed and funded by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames – Be Richmond’s role has been to test the concept on a temporary, short-term basis. We hope you have enjoyed it!
What do you think?
Have you visited the Whittaker Avenue garden this year? Would you like to see a permanent civic space here?
Be Richmond and LBRuT are keen to hear your views. Please email us with your feedback.
Thank you in advance for sparing the time to help inform this important project.
