Kier has begun the main phase of construction on the Twickenham Riverside regeneration, advancing its partnership with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames as the long-anticipated overhaul of the town's waterfront moves into full swing.

Set on Twickenham Embankment beside the River Thames, the scheme will transform the site with 45 new homes, 50% of which will be affordable, and introduce new retail, office, and food and beverage space.

As the principal contractor, Kier will also reconfigure and reinstate the existing public gardens to create larger, greener areas and improved public realm.

Designed to reflect the area's heritage, the project aims to deliver high-quality, sustainable places for residents and visitors. It targets at least 98% diversion of waste from landfill, with 95% of demolition materials kept and reused on site. The development is being delivered to stringent environmental and wellbeing standards, including a BREEAM 'Excellent' target, and has already secured an 'Outstanding' rating in its first Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) assessment.

This milestone follows extensive enabling works, such as demolishing buildings and structures along King Street and upgrading underground utilities. A temporary sub-station is in place to support construction, alongside a temporary flood defence wall on the embankment.

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Attention now turns to superstructure works on Water Lane, using modern methods of construction – including precast columns, stairwells and balconies – to help minimise disruption for neighbours.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "There is real momentum on site, with major construction now underway as we create a riverside that matches the ambition and character of Twickenham. This is about providing much-needed affordable homes, attracting new businesses, creating high-quality public spaces and reconnecting the town centre with the Thames – delivering a riverside residents can be proud of for generations to come."

John Bolton, regional director for the public sector, Kier Construction London & Thames Valley said: "At Kier, we feel privileged to be working with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and our framework partners to deliver one of the most significant investments in Twickenham town centre for a generation. Building on our appointment for Clarendon School last year, this scheme strengthens our ability to support even more families and local communities as the project progresses. This vital scheme is an excellent example of Kier's integrated 360 approach, bringing together experts from our 700-strong in-house Design, Utilities (SOURCE), Canals and Rivers, Transportation and Property teams, to provide advisory support from tender stage through to commissioning."

The riverside scheme, due to complete in 2027, is the latest collaboration between Kier and the Borough, following Kier's appointment via the SCAPE Construction Framework to deliver a new satellite centre for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Clarendon School.

Kier's recent regional track record also includes projects in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, such as Earl's Court Primary School and Manbre Wharf – a 150,000 sq ft facility for life science organisations at the ARC West London Refinery Building development.