A Design Panel and resident Stakeholder Reference Group have been set up to work with Richmond Council to help shape the future of Twickenham Riverside.

At a council meeting on January 22, Cllr Gareth Roberts, announced the names of the panel who have been established to advise and support the Design Competition and evaluate architects’ proposals for the Twickenham Riverside site.

Members of the panel include; the Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member for Environment, Cabinet Member for Business, a local ward councillor, a representative from the Local Stakeholder Reference Group and an independent adviser from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

In addition, two local representatives with architectural experience have also joined the panel.

At the same time, a local Stakeholder Reference group has also been formed.

This group is made up of existing local groups and organisations with links to the Riverside and an interest in it its future regeneration.

Together they will be responsible for communicating the views of local people, businesses and groups to the Council, disseminating information, offer opinion and advice around key project decisions and feed into, where appropriate the Design Competition.

In line with public requests, last year the Council agreed to commission the RIBA to deliver an OJEU compliant Design Competition.

The RIBA have extensive experience and are a widely recognised provider of architectural competitions, delivering high profile selection processes for both private and public-sector clients.

The wider community will have an opportunity to engage with the designs submitted as part of the competition later this summer.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “We have always said any decisions regarding the future of Twickenham Riverside must be open and transparent, not happen behind closed doors, and include the involvement of residents where possible

“This process is more fair, open, and I am confident it will result in a design that is more aligned to the vision of the local community.”

For more information, go to: www.richmond.gov.uk/twickenham_redevelopment