A “once in a generation” chance to help turn Twickenham into a thriving shopping and business centre is being offered to residents.

A Twickenham action plan setting out proposals to improve the town will be drawn up during the course of the year by Richmond Council.

The plan will identify how the town will become a centre for retail and business and will address specific issues, including the future use of the Royal Mail sorting office site, the redevelopment of Twickenham station and improvements to the former pool site.

A consultation is due to take place in May, where residents and businesses will be asked their opinions on specific options.

Councillor Virginia Morris, Richmond Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Twickenham is badly in need of serious improvement work; we have known this for some time.

“We have a once in a generation chance to lead major changes which will make locals proud to say they live in Twickenham.”

The final document is expected to be ready in early 2012.