Richmond Council's Town Centre Engagement Report has been published and it reveals how people travel to the town centre, why they visit and their priority areas.

In its reasonings for the report, Richmond Council said: "Richmond, Like many other town centres, is seeing the effects of changing public habits and if we want to avoid Richmond losing its vibrancy, we need to adapt.

"We need to look to the future and make sure it's a place that people want to spend time." 

In over 12 weeks last autumn, the council created an engagement project for the report with nearly 1,500 people participating.

Here are some of the highlights from the report:

How do you travel to Richmond Town Centre?

• Walk - 48%
• Bus - 21%
• Cycle - 16%
• Car - 9%
• Train - 6%

What is your main reason for visiting Richmond Town Centre?

• Eating or drinking out - 88%
• Non-essential shopping - 76%
• Essential shopping - 61%
• Events and activities - 57%
• Services - 44%

What are your top three priorities for Richmond Town Centre?

• Increase/diversify the town's retail and leisure offering - 65%
• Enhance our public spaces - 53%
• Protect our natural spaces - 49%

What are the best aspects of Richmond Town Centre?

1. Quality of green spaces, parks and rivers
2. Experience of using public transport to get into the town centre
3. The quality of our public spaces (town squares, riverside, area in front of station)

What are the poorest aspects of Richmond Town Centre?

1. Traffic and air quality in the town centre
2. Variety of things for young people to fo
3. Experience of walking and cycling in the town centre

The report mentions that the variety of shops and the duration of scaffolding could make the town centre better (credit: Cesar Medina).

Shops on the high street

In regards to variety of shops in the town centre, one participant said: "It would be good if there were a good mix of businesses in Richmond Town Centre - at the moment it's just coffee shops and shabby vape shops.

"Much better to encourage small businesses and not so many chains."

Another said: "I shop and have dinner in Richmond all the time, it is great!"

Transport

With transport, one participant mentioned: "Pedestrianisation & cycle schemes must be treated very carefully, and with suspicion - do not waste money on them, the consequences are difficult to predict and are as likely to harm local businesses; do nothing without small time limited pilots."

While another commented:"Richmond suffers from too many vehicles and too little pedestrian space. Cyclists have little provision with no cycle lanes or contra-flows."

On the topic of transport, the council wrote in the report: "There was a general consensus that the traffic and congestion in the town centre is an ongoing issue and challenge that needs to be resolved.

"However, any resolution will require careful consideration and must carefully assess the varying degrees of impact on different groups of individuals."

Public space

When it comes to public open space, the main issues from participants which the report found were:

• Negligence by shopkeepers
• Overflowing bins and litter
• Prolonged scaffolding

Spaces for young people

The report found that Richmond Borough has a strong youth-offering, but this offer does not translate in Richmond town centre.

It explained "the town centre itself lacks an adequate supply of youth-oriented facilities and activities."

One participant said: "Kids need to meet and socialise, but many don't have the money (or appetite) for bars/clubs.

"PLEASE stop ignoring the need for things to do, and safe places to socialise which are free.

"Lack of provision is shocking and creates problems... but good space (safe for women and girls) will draw people and economic opportunities."

Another said: "Richmond sees 'youth' as a problem, not an opportunity - and then wonders why there is ASB (anti-social behaviour).

The report also found that 90% of survey respondents between the ages of 15-25 ranked the variety of things to do in the city for young people as very poor or poor. 

From the report Richmond Council say it will 'develop a vision' for the town centre (credit: Cesar Medina).

In its conclusion, the report said: "Richmond town centre needs to be somewhere of value and stress-free to visit for people of all ages. Focusing on the needs of younger people and people in later life is a good measure of inclusion.

"This means getting the detail right in terms of accessibility, ensuring that there are easy ways to spend time with young children close to essential shops and services, and providing opportunities for teenagers and young adults to socialise and take part in culture and sport.

"Richmond town centre also needs to be a place with a strong social infrastructure which is essential for fostering social cohesion, promoting a sense of belonging, and strengthening community bonds.

"Public spaces, cultural venues, educational institutions, and recreational facilities play a pivotal role in providing residents with opportunities for shared experiences, learning, and leisure.

"A strong social infrastructure contributes to the overall wellbeing of individuals by offering spaces for social interactions, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.

"The experience of the town centre as welcoming, safe and easy to access is fundamental to supporting everyday life opportunities and health outcomes for people living in, working and visiting Richmond."

The next stage will be for the council to take the insights from this report, along with other data and research, and 'develop a vision'. 

To read the full Richmond Town Centre Engagement Report click here.

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