Work on Richmond Town Centre revamp starts

8.35.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 21st Sep 2007

Work on the £3 million revamp of Richmond Town Centre starts this week.

The Transport for London funded project - the borough's biggest transport planning scheme in recent years - is expected to be completed within two years. The project will improve the entire length of the town centre, from Richmond Circus to Bridge Street, providing a safer environment for all. Improvements will include: upgraded footways, providing more space for pedestrians; improved accessibility through ramps and other measures; more cycle routes and parking; and new lighting and CCTV. The work in George Street will be suspended from early November and throughout Christmas to avoid disruption over the hectic festive period.

Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, Cllr David Trigg, said: "I am delighted that this exciting scheme is now under way. It will herald huge improvements for businesses, residents and visitors and create a pedestrian and cycle-friendly town centre and an even safer place to live, work and visit. The work planned for Richmond Station aims to encourage more people to travel by public transport and will bolster our efforts to promote sustainable travel. Minimising disruption is among our key aims throughout the project and that is why there will be a halt to work over the Christmas period."