After years of planning meetings and rounds of consultation, the diggers have arrived at Twickenham Riverside. The stretch of Thames-side land between Water Lane and King Street is now a construction site, and by this time next year it will look very different from the tired square and car park that has greeted visitors for decades. If you have been following the debates, the wait is over.
The regeneration moves from planning stage to physical transformation, with construction teams now working across the entire Twickenham waterfront site.
What’s being built
The new Twickenham Riverside will replace the existing public square and adjacent car park with a landscaped park, a pavilion building with cafes and community space, and improved pedestrian routes connecting King Street to the Thames Path.
The design, chosen after several rounds of public consultation, prioritises green space over commercial development. You will find more trees, terraced seating areas that step down towards the water, and a floating boardwalk that extends along the riverbank. The pavilion will house a cafe, public toilets, and flexible event space that can be hired by community groups. The scheme also includes improved cycle storage and better lighting along the towpath, addressing two concerns raised repeatedly during the consultation process.
The council has published a construction timeline that runs through to autumn 2026, so expect some disruption to riverside walks and town centre access for at least the next eighteen months.
Access during construction
Thames Path walkers and cyclists will need to follow signed diversions around the construction site for most of 2026 and into early 2026.
The main diversion routes you through King Street and Wharf Lane, adding roughly five minutes to a riverside walk between Richmond and Teddington. Water Lane remains open for vehicle access to the remaining short-stay parking bays north of the site, but the main Riverside car park is closed for the duration of works. Alternative parking is available at the King Street multi-storey and at York House, though spaces fill quickly on market days and weekends. Local businesses have raised concerns about footfall during construction, and the council has committed to maintaining pedestrian access to shop fronts throughout the works. Hoardings around the site will feature updates and visualisations of the finished project.
If your usual Thames-side route takes you through Twickenham, now is the time to explore the parallel streets just inland, many of which have their own quiet appeal.
What this means for you
If you walk or cycle along the Thames Path regularly, check the Richmond Council website for the latest diversion maps before you set out. The signed route is straightforward, but it does take you briefly away from the river. For those who drive into Twickenham, plan for alternative parking and allow extra time, particularly on Saturdays when the Riverside was previously a convenient option. If you are involved in local community groups, the new pavilion space will be bookable once complete, and the council has indicated that hiring rates will be set to encourage regular community use rather than prioritise commercial events. Keep an eye on the project page for updates on completion dates and public preview events planned for late 2026.
Twickenham’s waterfront has been a subject of debate for more than a decade, and the fact that construction is finally underway marks a significant shift. The next eighteen months will test the patience of riverside walkers and town centre visitors, but the council’s commitment to green space and public access suggests the result will be worth the temporary inconvenience.
Richmond upon Thames Council has committed more than £30 million to the scheme, which translates to roughly £150 for every resident across the borough. Whether you see that as investment in a much-loved town centre or a hefty stake in riverside real estate depends partly on how often you visit Twickenham, and partly on what finally gets built.
Frequently asked questions
How long will the Twickenham Riverside construction take?
Major construction works are scheduled to continue through to autumn 2026. The council has published a phased timeline on its website, with different sections of the site opening as they are completed. The final landscaping and public realm works are expected to finish in late 2026.
Can I still walk along the Thames Path through Twickenham?
The Thames Path is temporarily diverted around the construction site. The signed diversion takes you through King Street and Wharf Lane, adding roughly five minutes to your walk. The diversion is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, though the route is not fully segregated.
Where can I park in Twickenham now that the Riverside car park is closed?
Alternative parking is available at King Street multi-storey car park and at York House. Both locations offer pay-and-display spaces, though they fill quickly on weekends and market days. Some short-stay bays remain available on Water Lane, north of the construction site.
Will the new Twickenham Riverside have commercial businesses?
The pavilion building will include a cafe and flexible event space that can be hired by community groups and for private functions. The design prioritises public green space over retail or commercial development, with most of the site dedicated to parkland, seating areas, and riverside access.
