Champions Wharf Play Beach Consultation

Overview

There is an ever increasing demand for new play spaces in central Twickenham which currently only has two play areas in Holly Road Garden of Rest and Diamond Jubilee Gardens on the riverside. There is potential for that demand to increase further with the Twickenham Station redevelopment and the proposed redevelopment of the Old Sorting Office, as well the upgrade of the town centre which will attract even more visitors to the area.

Following the success of the popular temporary beach over the past two summers, Richmond Council proposed to install a permanent play space at Champions Wharf in the same location.

The space will be more than a play beach, it will also be an historical and educational space depicting both the human and natural history of the area with hidden artefacts moulded into the base under the sand such as Mesolithic, Neolothic and Bronze Age finds discovered in the local area, as well as a Saxon long boat depicting the rich history of the river itself. An interpretation board with the historical information and artefact information will be installed with potential to produce downloadable activity/hidden treasure fun sheets for children to use on their visit.

Seating will be installed as well as some provision of shade for those hot summer days. The balustrades will be modified to prevent any head traps, the steps will be removed and a gate installed to provide a safer and secure environment for children to play.

There are further plans to redesign the layout of the rest of Champions Wharf later in spring 2013.