Twickenham Riverside Development
Client: London Borough of Richmond
Role: RIBA Competitions Adviser
Sarah Williams was appointed by the London Borough of Richmond as RIBA Client Adviser to lead the architectural selection process for the transformative redevelopment of Twickenham’s riverside—an area rich in heritage and potential.
Twickenham boasts a diverse architectural legacy, with its riverside and historic town centre offering a unique blend of charm and character. The site, with its picturesque high street and prime riverfront location, represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the town’s future. The winning design proposal is set to reconnect the community with the river, attract new visitors, and deliver a lasting economic and social impact.
Sarah worked in close partnership with council members and officers to shape the design brief, oversee the competition process, and guide the selection of a longlist and shortlist of leading architectural teams. Her role was pivotal in ensuring the project remained inclusive, ambitious, and aligned with the Council’s aspirations.
The competition site spans the riverside between Water and Wharf Lanes and includes Jubilee Gardens, existing buildings, and the heavily car-dominated embankment. The brief called for a bold and thoughtful approach—one that would restore the river’s centrality to civic life and deliver an outstanding mixed-use scheme.
Design objectives included creating a sustainable, people-focused development that enhances the public realm, celebrates the riverside setting, and offers a welcoming, vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. The scheme will feature a mix of residential, commercial, retail, and public spaces.
Following a robust selection process, Hopkins Architects were unanimously chosen by a panel that included cross-party political representation. The selected scheme reflects a shared commitment to excellence and is now moving toward delivery—marking an exciting new chapter in Twickenham’s story.
“Richmond Council selected Sarah as our RIBA client advisor to help us find the right scheme for Twickenham Riverside. This site has been left undeveloped for 40 years and Sarah’s guidance and knowledge during the competition enabled us to achieve a successful outcome, with a concept design which meets the brief and is supported by residents across the borough. Without Sarah’s inciteful and objective guidance, we may not have reached such a positive outcome. Sarah is very accomplished and knowledgeable, but she is also personable and she added great value to our Design Panel.”
Anna Sadler, Programme Manager London Borough of Richmond
