Plans to build a swimming pool on Twickenham Riverside have been rejected by Richmond Council.

Architects were invited to submit proposals to develop the area of the town next to the Diamond Jubilee Gardens, in King Street and Water Lane.

The bidding process is still ongoing but one plan that will not be considered further is from Twickenham Alive and architects Atkins.

Its proposal to create a lido, modelled on the Bristol Lido which opened in 2008, failed to make it to the last round of process, with other proposals considered to be "more economically advantageous".

Teresa Read, of Twickenham Alive, wrote in a blog post on the social enterprise's website that the riverside "can become a social hub once again".

She said: "Some will say this is all very well but who is going to pay for it?

"During the two months available to formulate the plan, Twickenham Alive gained expressions of interest from two sets of investors who are confident they can make these ideas a reality.

"We really hope that finally Twickenham will be able to fulfill its potential, throughout all the seasons, and make Twickenham a town where people prefer to spend their time.

"It is a fantastic opportunity and it will be a shame if missed."

It is believed architect Quinlan Terry, who designed Richmond Riverside, has submitted a proposal as well as one other unnamed architects.

A swimming pool was previously based on the riverside, on the site of what is now the Diamond Jubilee Gardens - the diving board is still in place.

A council spokesman said: "Earlier this year, the council announced that it was staging an architectural design competition for development proposals at the purchased site and invited a number of signature architect companies to bring forward their ideas for it.

"This formal procurement process is still under way and the council, through a combination of key councillors and officers, is assessing which of the submissions best represents the long term vision for Twickenham.

"It will continue to work with shortlisted companies in the coming weeks with a view to holding a public consultation with exhibition in the autumn."

Bidders were given a brief outlining the council's vision for the site, including a town square in King Street, 'niche' restaurants and shops, council offices and a proportion of residential development.

Andy Sutch, chairman of Sport Richmond, said Twickenham Alive's proposals appeared to be "very attractive".

He added: "Certainly in terms of what it would provide in recreation terms, it would be good - we know the borough is short of water facilities."

Twickenham Town Business Association chairman Bruce Lyons said the proposal looked "pretty well thought out".

Eel Pie Island resident and inventor Trevor Baylis, who once swam for Great Britain, said he supported the scheme because he was "very, very keen on children learning to swim".