Hooray, it’s here. The Council and RIBA have finally launched the Twickenham Riverside Design Competition.
It looks pretty good. The development site is just as we proposed, and an essential requirement is that parking and traffic circulation will be removed from The Embankment. Yippee! But what happens to the parking spaces and how the other roads will be reconfigured is still unknown. It will depend on traffic and parking surveys which have yet to be conducted.
There’s a strong emphasis on public open space & environment, community, riverside uses, active travel and bringing life back to the riverside and hence the town centre. The BRIEF is deliberately as open as possible to attract a wide range of designs, so the uses listed are generic rather than specific. However, there is mention of a TOWN SQUARE, or whatever the correct term is for a 3-sided squarea that takes full advantage of the river views:
‘The design should create a focal point for the town (e.g. town square or similar) that accommodates activities and events.’
We’ve extracted some of the key points from the LBRuT and RIBA Competitions announcements (shown below), but there’s much more on their websites and in the Brief. Links are listed at the bottom of this update.
TWICKENHAM RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT
An international competition seeking architect-led teams for a mixed-use scheme at Twickenham Riverside.
Twickenham is an historic riverside town and has a substantial commercial town centre. The development site is located on the riverside in the heart of Twickenham, between Water and Wharf Lanes, including the Embankment. The right development has the potential to transform the town and to make a major contribution to the quality of life and economic success of the area.
The Council are looking for an innovative multi-disciplinary design team to work with them in developing this key site in this much-loved part of Twickenham. The area surrounding the site is a mixture of residential and commercial with areas of historic interest including Church Street, St Mary's Church and the Riverside itself, all of which fall within a conservation area.
The Council will be looking for a mixed-use scheme which creates a cohesive, high-quality townscape and public realm which recognises the importance of the river and seeks to provide activities that draw people into the site from surrounding areas.
Sarah Williams, S Williams Architects and RIBA Adviser said:
“It’s not often that architects get the opportunity to design a scheme along this stretch of the River Thames. Added to that is the Council’s aspiration to create something beautiful and valuable for the local community; a collection of places, spaces and buildings that can bring vibrancy and focus to this part of Twickenham. I’m looking forward to helping the council with this next stage of the project’s development.”
Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said:
“Twickenham Riverside should be the flourishing centre of Twickenham and the local area, but instead it’s being used as a car park with parking prioritised over people. For nearly 40 years this beautiful stretch of the river Thames has been awaiting a design that can showcase the riverside as a destination for people to live, play, work, enjoy and thrive. We are delighted to be working with RIBA Competitions to find an architect who has the vision and skills to deliver a design which creates a heart for Twickenham.
“Understanding the history of the site is key, but now it is time to look forwards. This is a great opportunity to deliver real change through an exciting, energising and fabulous design. We must invest in the future of Twickenham. I very much look forward to seeing the designs and working with the chosen team to make the riverside a destination we can all be proud of.”
It is anticipated that five teams will be shortlisted and invited to participate in the design phase of the competition. An equal honorarium of GBP £6,500 (+VAT) will be paid to each of shortlisted teams.
Overall programme:
>Developing design brief Feb/Mar
>Inviting expressions of interest from architects Spring
>Shortlisting expressions of interest Spring
>Shortlisted architects developing concept design Spring
>Public engagement. ie Consultation Autumn
>Appoint design team Q4 2019
>Submit / validate detailed planning application Q3 2020
>Planning consent granted Q1 2021
>Construction commences Q2 2021
>Project complete Q2 2023
Key aspects:
THE DEVELOPMENT SITE
The site for the competition includes the whole of the riverside area between Water and Wharf Lanes, including the Embankment, which is currently dominated by parked cars, and the service road behind King Street, this incorporates the Diamond Jubilee Gardens and derelict buildings. It also includes the King Street buildings (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) and the private car park (2/4 Water Lane) to the rear in the Council’s ownership. It is the first time that a site of this size has been available.
Objectives for Design
3.1. Design and Architecture
An exemplar in high quality design, delivering a compelling contribution to the architectural heritage of Twickenham. While the Council is not prescriptive on the style of design, it should take account of, and be sensitive to, its surrounding buildings and environment, reflecting the riverside location, enhancing the character of the area and offering a high-quality design solution. It is important that the design is appropriate in scale and massing. Any proposals must create a cohesive, high-quality townscape and public realm that recognises the importance of the river and seeks to provide activities that draw people into the site from surrounding areas.
3.2. Open Space and Environment
Strengthen the green character of Richmond upon Thames by enhancing the public realm through careful design. The design should recognise, protect and enhance the beauty and biodiversity of the riverside. Public open spaces should be improved, offering hard and soft landscaping that is accessible to all and takes full advantage of the river views. The design should create a focal point for the town (e.g. town square or similar) that accommodates activities and events. Open spaces should provide continuity of access between the town and the river and create attractive and vibrant public spaces responding to people and their needs whilst also building on and adding to the existing commercial and cultural life in the town. The design will champion green over grey and the re-provision of the Diamond Jubilee Gardens is paramount and must meet the requirements set.
3.3. Site Parking and Movements
Provide a creative solution and riverfront experience which prioritises people over cars. In order to maximise enjoyment and views of the river, the Council has expressed its desire to take parking away from the riverside part of the site to create a shared use environment for pedestrians and cyclists. In order to achieve this, designs must carefully consider vehicular circulation and servicing of the area. Particular attention must be given to retain the access and service requirements of Eel Pie Island and the thriving economy of the Island should not be disadvantaged. Impact on the town should also be given careful consideration. Active travel must be promoted through design and the residential development will be car free except for emergency, accessible and delivery requirements.
ESSENTIAL
-Removal of parking on the riverside (Embankment between Water and Wharf Lanes)
-Retain access and servicing to Eel Pie Island for businesses, clubs and residents
-Create a pedestrian and cycling friendly environment
-Car free residential (with exception of disabled parking bays, to align with policy requirements)
-Maintain Embankment as a working quay
-Site to be fully accessible
Following surveys available at Phase 2 clarity will be given on:
-Vehicular circulation to be moved away from the Embankment.
-Whether there should be re-provision of parking elsewhere on the site, and what level of re-provision is required.
3.4. Uses
Create an exciting destination for residents and visitors that champions the river and makes a significant contribution to the town.
Diamond Jubilee Gardens
It is an essential part of the Design Brief to re-provide the Diamond Jubilee Gardens, subject to the key requirements outlined below.
Footprint: maintain/extend existing surface area of c.2250msq for the benefit of the public, in a single form.
Dimensions: of proportions that can support events and be enjoyed by a wide range of groups and communities.
Location: that the minimum surface area of the Gardens that needs to be re-provided (c.2250msq) is positioned so as not to be affected by flooding.
LINKS
LBRuT website
https://www.richmond.gov.uk/myvillage/twickenham_redevelopment/twickenham_redevelopment_background
Message from the Leader of the Council: A place for people…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-2rw3PcYzI&feature=youtu.be
RIBA Competitions
Competition Brief
https://www.architecture.com/-/media/files/Competitions/Twickenham-Riverside_MoI_Final.pdf