Plans to create a new Continental-style square at the heart of Richmond riverside for al fresco dining and entertainment are central to pandemic recovery.

The scheme is among a number of ambitious initiatives included in a manifesto for Be Richmond, the body which represents over 300 businesses.

The organisation is about to run a ballot in the New Year among business owners, who are being asked to support the body for a new five year term, beginning next April.

If it gets a positive result, the idea would be to raise some £3.5million – mostly from a levy on businesses – to spend on town centre improvements and activities over the next five years.

The organisation is promising a number of 'transformational projects that will shape the town into an even better place to live, work and explore'.

Among the most eye-catching schemes in the manifesto are –

• Creation of a new civic space for the community at Whittaker Avenue – between the Old Town Hall and Riverside - starting with a pilot scheme to create a temporary al fresco dining and performance space.

• Establish a Park & Ride scheme to reduce vehicle traffic in George Street, the Quadrant and surrounding roads.

• Partner with the Council to provide permanent new public toilets in the town centre and riverside.

• Clean the art deco façade of Richmond station and install sensitive lighting to promote this heritage landmark.

• Create a public art strategy to enhance the cultural offering in Richmond, including the rail station plaza.

• Create green trails, heritage walks, active routes for runners and clean air walking routes.

• Support the creation of pop-up shops in vacant buildings to bring people in to the area.

• Improve the look and feel of the Richmond Hill gateway with freestanding planters.

• Investigate re-siting and restoring the Grade II listed Victorian RSPCA fountain memorial at the Star & Garter junction on Richmond Hill.

Chair of Be Richmond, Ann Chapman-Daniel, said the group has a number of notable achievements over the past five years.

These include improving the look and feel of the town centre with hanging baskets, planters, Christmas trees and Christmas lights.

It has also run community events to celebrate the town centre, including the May Fair, the We Gather events on the riverside through November and the Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Members have also been involved in river clean-ups and litter picks, while it has helped 'dress' the windows of vacant shops to make them look more attractive and deter graffiti.

Ms Chapman-Daniel said: "By raising the profile of Richmond as a sustainable, business-friendly town we have attracted visitors, encouraged investment, and helped employers recruit quality candidates.

"We have enhanced the look and feel of the town with planting, street cleansing, litter picks and Christmas lights.

"We have worked with stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for easing parking and congestion issues.

"Our team mobilised quickly to support members during the Covid-19 pandemic, offering guidance on grants and loans, and practical measures to mitigate the impact on the town centre.

"Our exciting plans for the next five years include positioning Richmond as a leading destination; projects to enhance our public spaces; and sustainability initiatives to help us all reduce our environmental footprint."

The 330 businesses that are part of Be Richmond will receive ballot papers to decide on whether the organisation should continue in January. The deadline to vote is February 10.