Riverside development moves ahead

1.43.55pm GMT Sun 19th Oct 2008

• [Oct 02]: The development of Twickenham Riverside moved big step closer to completion this week with the announcement by the council of five companies who have been short listed as potential, partners to develop the site with the council late next year.

Applications from 12 companies, who expressed an interest in partnering the council, were considered in early September. The five short listed companies have now been asked to develop detailed plans of their proposals. At least three of these will be put before the public for the final phase of the consultation early in 2009.

Commenting on this development, , Council Leader, Serge Lourie said: "I was very pleased with the calibre of companies who expressed an interest in working with us on this development. In the end, we chose five to move forward with and these are now working on the detail of how they would develop the site. We expect to put at least three of these plans before the public in the New Year to get their views before the final decision on a single partner is made. At that point, we will be looking at which one makes the best use of the land while achieving a development that is visually best for this sensitive location. Most of all, we are looking for the best deal for local people. The whole development has to be self financing. I look forward to seeing which plan delivers most in terms of open space and public facilities. It's exciting that after 28 years of frustration and setbacks that have beset successive administrations, we are finally making real progress. We now believe that the site will finally be redeveloped in a way that will enhance the riverside and the whole of Twickenham."