The Twickenham Riverside property redevelopment

The stretch of Twickenham Riverside property between Water Lane and the Thames has now entered its main construction phase, with Kier beginning groundworks on a development that will fundamentally alter the waterfront character of this part of the borough. After years of consultation and design revisions, the project brings 45 new homes and reinstated public gardens to a site that has long divided opinion between those who value every scrap of open riverside and those who see opportunity in careful development.

The Twickenham Embankment redevelopment represents one of the most significant property developments Richmond upon Thames has seen in recent years, bringing substantial affordable housing to the riverside.

What is being built at Twickenham Riverside

Two new buildings will frame the reinstated Diamond Jubilee Gardens.

The development comprises Water Lane and Wharf Lane buildings, delivering 45 residential units across the site. Half of these homes, 23 in total, are designated as affordable housing, addressing the borough’s persistent shortage of accessible properties. The architectural approach frames the public gardens rather than dominating them, with the buildings designed to open sightlines to the river while creating enclosed green space away from the embankment traffic. Construction will progress through groundworks and superstructure phases, with Kier managing the build in partnership with Richmond upon Thames Council.

The affordable housing allocation represents a higher proportion than many recent riverside developments have delivered, making this project notable in the borough's housing strategy.

How this development reached construction

The Twickenham Riverside site has been the subject of community debate for more than a decade.

Previous proposals for the location generated strong local reactions, with residents divided between those who wanted minimal intervention to preserve open space and those who saw the underutilised land as an opportunity for housing and improved public realm. The current scheme emerged from multiple rounds of consultation, design competitions, and planning revisions. The council’s decision to proceed balanced heritage concerns, flooding considerations given the Thames location, and the pressing need for affordable homes in an area where property prices place ownership beyond the reach of many local workers and families. The Diamond Jubilee Gardens, which had become somewhat neglected, will be replanted and redesigned as part of the project.

What finally moved the project forward was the affordable housing commitment, which addressed one of the most persistent objections to previous, more commercial proposals.

How we got here

2026

Initial consultations begin on redeveloping the Twickenham Riverside site

2026

First major design proposal withdrawn after strong community opposition

2026

Revised scheme with increased affordable housing approved by Richmond Council

2026

Preparatory works and site clearance completed

2026

Main construction phase begins with Kier as principal contractor

The Diamond Jubilee Gardens, created in 2026 to mark the Queen’s anniversary, had fallen into a state that disappointed many residents who remembered the original planting. The reinstated gardens will restore public access to thoughtfully landscaped green space immediately beside the Thames, addressing one of the most consistent requests from community groups throughout the consultation process.

The wider Twickenham property picture

This development sits within a changing riverside market.

Twickenham has historically offered slightly more accessible property prices than Richmond town centre, attracting families and professionals who value the rugby culture, riverside access, and transport links without paying the premium commanded by properties closer to Richmond Park. Recent years have seen that gap narrow as buyers priced out of Barnes and Richmond proper have moved their searches westward along the Thames. The arrival of 45 new units, particularly with the affordable element, will test whether the area can absorb new supply without softening values. Estate agents in the area report that riverside views and garden access remain the two features that most reliably add value to Twickenham properties, which suggests the reinstated public gardens could benefit nearby homes even as the new buildings change the skyline.

For buyers watching the borough, this project signals that riverside development, handled carefully and with genuine affordable provision, can still gain approval despite considerable local scrutiny.

What this means for you

If you live within sight or sound of the construction site, expect typical building activity over the next twelve to eighteen months, with lorry movements concentrated on Water Lane during groundworks. The council has required Kier to follow considerate construction protocols, which typically include restricted working hours and dust suppression measures, though these details should be confirmed through the planning portal using the original application reference. For those considering property purchases in Twickenham, the development offers a useful indicator of local values: when completed, asking prices for the market-rate units will show what buyers are willing to pay for new-build riverside properties versus the period stock that dominates much of the area. If you are interested in the affordable housing element, Richmond upon Thames maintains a housing register through the council website, though eligibility criteria and waiting times vary considerably depending on household size and local connection. Existing homeowners nearby may find the enhanced public realm and settled question of the site’s future helpful when marketing their own properties once construction completes.

The Twickenham Riverside development represents a significant shift in how the borough approaches waterfront sites, balancing housing need against heritage and open space concerns. For residents across Richmond upon Thames, the project offers a test case for whether careful development can genuinely improve the public realm while delivering homes the area needs.

For existing homeowners in the immediate area, particularly along Water Lane and Wharf Lane, the next eighteen months will bring construction activity that may affect daily routines, but the completion promises to settle a long-standing question about what happens to this prominent site.

Frequently asked questions

How many affordable homes are included in the Twickenham Riverside development?

Twenty-three of the 45 homes, representing half the total units, are designated as affordable housing. This proportion is higher than many comparable riverside developments in the borough and was a key factor in gaining planning approval after earlier proposals faced opposition.

When will the Twickenham Riverside development be completed?

While Kier has now begun the main construction phase including groundworks and superstructure, the council has not published a specific completion date. Based on typical timelines for developments of this scale, construction is likely to continue through 2026, though this depends on site conditions, particularly given the proximity to the Thames and associated flooding considerations.

Will the Diamond Jubilee Gardens remain accessible during construction?

The gardens are being reinstated as part of the development, which means they will be subject to construction activity and likely closed to the public during the build. Once complete, the gardens will be replanted and redesigned to provide improved public access to green space immediately beside the river, with the new buildings framing rather than blocking the area.

How will this development affect property prices in Twickenham?

The impact on local property values will depend on how the market responds to the new supply and the quality of the finished development. Twickenham has seen property prices rise as buyers move west from more expensive areas like Barnes and Richmond, and the 45 new units represent a modest addition to the overall housing stock. The reinstated public gardens and settled future of a previously debated site may support values for nearby existing homes, while the market-rate units will provide a pricing benchmark for new riverside properties in the area.

Can I apply for one of the affordable homes at Twickenham Riverside?

Affordable housing in Richmond upon Thames is allocated through the council’s housing register, which prioritises applicants based on housing need, local connection, and household circumstances. You can register your interest through the Richmond upon Thames Council housing services, though waiting times vary significantly and eligibility requirements apply. The affordable units will not be available until construction completes, likely in 2026 or later.

Useful resources

• Richmond upon Thames planning portal
• Richmond upon Thames housing register
• Twickenham Riverside project information