Businesses have voted overwhelmingly to back Be Richmond and its plan to raise £3.5million to improve the town centre for residents, commerce and visitors.

Be Richmond is the brand persona of the Richmond Business Improvement District and the vote has given it a new five year mandate.

The organisation has an ambitious 'to do' list, which includes plans to create a Continental-style square at the heart of Richmond riverside for al fresco dining and entertainment.

Among the other eye-catching schemes in its manifesto are –

• 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 approach to Richmond Hill with freestanding planters.

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

Some 79% of the businesses who took part in the ballot voted for Be Richmond to continue. The figure was a higher 89% when measured by the rateable value of participants. The turnout was 41%.

The organisation mainly raises its money through a levy on town centre businesses.

The Be Richmond manager, Ellen Amorina Storrar, said: "The Richmond business community is incredibly passionate about our town's success and the result of this ballot reflects that.

"We will get straight to work implementing our business plan, including the continuation of the many valuable business services already in place."

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Landlady of the Angel & Crown, Hannah Lawson, said: "The Angel and Crown is happy to hear that Be Richmond BID was voted to stay for another term.

"They have, and will continue to change the face of Richmond in a positive way – they keep the streets safer, cleaner and more inviting for everyone who works and visits here.

"As a community pub, we are excited to be part of what Be Richmond BID have in store for the next five years."

Jorge Coelho, Restaurant Director at Gaucho, added: "As a restaurant that looks out over Richmond's beautiful riverside, we are delighted that Be Richmond will continue its work to raise the profile of our wonderful town to locals and visitors for the next five years."

The Be Richmond chair and chief executive of leading global patent solutions provider, Minesoft, Ann Chapman-Daniel, believes the result is great news for everyone in the area.

She said: "On behalf of the Be Richmond board, we are thrilled that Richmond businesses have voted overwhelmingly in favour of continued investment in our town centre.

"We have some very exciting plans, including projects from the Future Vision for Richmond portfolio, designed to enhance public spaces for everyone who lives, works and visits here."