Richmond to see £250k investment in town centre

Richmond Council is to invest £250,000 in improving its town centre.

It means people searching for property to rent in Richmond-upon-Thames can look forward to using a regenerated centre, as over the next two years the local authority will try to attract businesses and shoppers into the area.

Some £78,000 is to be spent on various marketing initiatives, while £40,000 will be used for attracting more inward investment. An additional £23,000 has been set aside for promoting social enterprise in the borough, while £20,000 is being earmarked to put together a green business plan to tackle energy and waste. 

The council is hoping the area will be able to raise its profile off the back of the Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Games and so £80,000 has been set aside for this purpose.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for communities, business and culture, noted the borough needs the private sector to be successful. "We know business is all about footfall and investment, so we will prioritise schemes to improve these, together with helping the disadvantaged to find work so they can contribute themselves," she added.

Ms Fleming went on to note that by directing the resources the council has into the right channels it can make sure it support the projects "that will bring the greatest results".

It is hoped the cash injection will improve the prospects of small business owners and it highlights the importance attached to local high streets.

Residents in the borough also need to prepare for digital TV services coming to it. In April the analogue transmitter will be switched off and so people have to make sure they can pick up the new frequencies. Councillor Rita Palmer, champion for senior residents, noted anyone who is confused about the switchover should get in contact with the Help Scheme being run by the BBC.

Posted by Chris Price

Published 15th March, 2012

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