Residents can once again enjoy the Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens, following the completion of a year-long programme of complex riverbank restoration works.

The official reopening held today (Saturday, 8 November), marks what Richmond Council has described as a "major milestone" in restoring one of the borough's most popular walking and cycling routes.

Local residents, community groups, and partners gathered along the riverside to celebrate the return of the well-loved path.

People are once again passing through the Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens (credit: Richmond Council).

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council's Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: "This has been one of the most technically challenging riverbank repairs we've undertaken.

"From tides to terrain, the conditions tested even the most experienced engineers.

"I'm hugely grateful to our teams, contractors and partners who have worked tirelessly to bring this stretch of towpath back into use. Today's reopening marks the successful completion of a project that will stand the test of time – and it's brilliant to see people enjoying it once again."

Key numbers:

• 25 metres of riverbank stabilised, including over 80 metres of sheet piling and protective scour matting
• 150 metres of towpath strengthened between the reinstated culvert and Richmond Lock
• Over 300 tonnes of material removed and 900 tonnes brought in to repair erosion and safeguard against future collapse
• Works supported by two specialist cranes and marine barges, operating in line with the tidal cycle
• Up to 30 engineers and contractors working on site at peak times

Deputy Mayor Cllr Clare Vollum, who attended the event, added: "The Thames runs through the heart of our borough, and this towpath is one of the best ways to experience it.

"Reinstating this section has taken extraordinary care and collaboration. It's thanks to that effort that residents and visitors can once again enjoy this beautiful, historic route."

Contractors have strengthened 150 metres of the towpath between the reinstated culvert and Richmond Lock (credit: Richmond Council).

The project restores a key stretch of the Thames Path National Trail, which was closed following a structural collapse in October 2024.

Since then, Richmond Council has led a complex marine engineering operation to stabilise and strengthen the riverbank, working alongside the Port of London Authority, Environment Agency, The Crown Estate, Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Course, Kew Gardens, and the London Borough of Hounslow.

The newly reopened section now features reinforced riverbank structures, improved access, and ecological enhancements designed to protect against future erosion while supporting local wildlife.

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