Kier continues to strengthen its relationship with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames as main construction works commence on the Twickenham Riverside regeneration scheme, and the long-awaited regeneration of the town’s waterfront takes shape.
Located next to the River Thames on Twickenham Embankment, the scheme will redevelop the existing site to deliver 45 new houses – 50% of which will be affordable – alongside new retail, office, food and beverage space.
As main contractor on the scheme, Kier will also deliver enhanced green spaces and expanded public open facilities through the relocation and reprovision of the existing public gardens.
Reflecting the heritage and identity of the waterfront, the scheme will create high-quality, sustainable spaces that enhance the experience of both residents and visitors. The project is targeting a minimum 98% diversion of waste from landfill, with 95% of demolition materials retained and reused on site. It is also being delivered to high environmental and wellbeing standards, including a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, and has already achieved an ‘Outstanding’ score in its first Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) assessment.
This latest construction milestone follows extensive enabling works, including the demolition of existing buildings and structures along King Street and upgrades to the underground infrastructure. A temporary sub-station has also been installed to support the construction of the development as well as a temporary flood defence wall on the embankment.
Main construction works will now progress to the superstructure on Water Lane with modern methods of construction such as precast columns, stairwells and balconies being installed to minimise disruption to the neighbouring community.
Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “There is real momentum on site, with major construction now underway as we create a riverside that matches the ambition and character of Twickenham. This is about providing much-needed affordable homes, attracting new businesses, creating high-quality public spaces and reconnecting the town centre with the Thames – delivering a riverside residents can be proud of for generations to come.”
John Bolton, regional director for the public sector, Kier Construction London & Thames Valley said: “At Kier, we feel privileged to be working with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and our framework partners to deliver one of the most significant investments in Twickenham town centre for a generation. Building on our appointment for Clarendon School last year, this scheme strengthens our ability to support even more families and local communities as the project progresses. This vital scheme is an excellent example of Kier’s integrated 360 approach, bringing together experts from our 700-strong in-house Design, Utilities (SOURCE), Canals and Rivers, Transportation and Property teams, to provide advisory support from tender stage through to commissioning.”
The scheme is due for completion in 2027 and represents Kier’s latest partnership with the Borough. This follows its recent appointment via the SCAPE Construction Framework to deliver a new satellite centre for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Clarendon School.
Kier also has extensive experience in the surrounding areas, including within the London Borough of Fulham and Hammersmith, where it has delivered Earl’s Court Primary School and Manbre Wharf – a new 150,000 sq ft home for life science organisations in the UK at the ARC West London Refinery Building development.
