Richmond Riverside

As the mid-20th Century rolled in, Richmond Riverside was in a sorry state, including the Palm Court Hotel and Hotham House. Once, proud landmarks had fallen into disrepair, casting a shadow on Richmond’s reputation.

A turning point arrived with a public meeting on January 12, 1984. Enter Quinlan Terry, the architect charged with breathing new life into Richmond Riverside. The ambitious endeavour, completed in 1986 and officially unveiled in 1988, sought to redeem the area’s image. While a handful of structures like Tower House, the Old Town Hall, Heron House, and the former Castle Hotel’s façade (now occupied by PayPal) were preserved, most buildings were given a fresh start, yet their designs paid homage to classical and
Historical styles.

Of course, not everyone cheered for this transformation. Critics emerged with biting phrases: “stunning mediocrity,” “Boring and undistinguished detailing,” and cries that the design failed to capture the site’s true essence. Despite the objections, the development eventually settled harmoniously into the fabric of Richmond and its Riverside.

The journey began on February 12, 1982, with the signing of the redevelopment deal. The English Property Corporation took on the task, passing the torch to Haslemere Estates shortly after. Public consultations fuelled the pressure for redesign, but the scheme received the green light in 1984.

Nowadays, Richmond Riverside is a bustling hub of activity. The area thrives anew from the charm of Cholmondeley Walk to the grace of Richmond Bridge and the embrace of the Thames Path. Picture al fresco dining at Peggy Jean, Tide Tables Café, The White Cross pub and Stein’s café, the hum of boat repairs, and the availability of cycles for hire.