The Council has engaged Hemingway Design for Phase 2 of the “Vision for Richmond” project.
In summary, the ideas are based around three place shaping pillars which will guide Council actions for the next 5, 10 and 15+ years:
- Global City Energy Meets Market Town Charm;
- Space to Breathe: Escapism, Exploration & Enrichment;
- Natural Leaders: Champions of Environmental Action & Social Value.
According to Hemingway: “Each pillar is supported by a set of shared values and common goals that give substance to the theme by shaping behaviour and aligning decision-making”. The Council has summarised the three pillars in their Bulletin of February 3, 2025 (read extract)
An Implementation Group will be coordinated by Senior Council Officers from across the services and guided by a Sponsor Board that includes Ward Councillors. Cllr Chris Varley will represent South Richmond.
Ideas mentioned for consideration are better cultural/evening offers that are affordable for families and an enhanced leisure provision for young people with play and active spaces. The Society supports this and proposals to intensify the night time use of the Old Town Hall and other Council buildings as we suggested in our response to the Night Time Strategy consultation.
Engagement with residents, community groups, the Youth Council and schools is planned, but there are no details beyond trying to test the vision at events/activities over the summer. The Society has suggested the May Fair could provide a good opportunity to meet a wide range of people and visitors in an easy and relaxed way.
The future of Richmond, attracting investment and preserving its great heritage underlies the Society’s raison d’etre and we want members and all those who care about our town to have an opportunity to contribute. We plan to devote our Autumn Forum on September 18th to this purpose and have invited key Councillors and officers working on this project to participate.