Twickenham River Centre

Twickenham River Centre

A flagship environment centre for the community beside the Thames in Twickenham, where people of all ages and backgrounds can find out about the river, the environment and sustainability, learn to row or even build a boat, or simply watch the world go by from a great cafe. This is the Environment Trust's goal as part of the redevelopment of the long-neglected riverside area in the centre of Twickenham. The Trust is currently working with the local council and expert advisers to produce a development brief for the site, which will be put out to tender later this year.
WHAT WILL THE RIVER CENTRE OFFER?
A centre for education about the river and broader environment, climate change and sustainability for people of all ages and abilities
A ?one-stop shop? offering practical information and news about the river and the environment, with exhibitions and displays giving information on local water-based activities and clubs.
A hub for environmental volunteering, a home for environmental voluntary organisations, and a centre for volunteer training
Permanent displays about Twickenham's river heritage, linking it to other river-based sites along the river
A boathouse, providing public boat hire, maintenance and repair, practical boatbuilding courses, water safety training, rowing for the young and those with disabilities, work experience for young people, and small boat storage, with a waterfront pontoon to improve access to Twickenham from the river, encourage river use and enable a ferry service linking with Richmond and Teddington
All in a flagship sustainable building, showcasing ?green? construction methods and wider sustainability issues

This attractive Grade II listed Chapel located off Lower Grove Road, Richmond, was built in 1873 to a design by Sir William Blomfield. Under an initiative of the Environment Trust, it has been beautifully restored and renovated, financed by grants from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund and supplemented by local donations. It constitutes a major addition to the borough's architectural heritage.
It is set amongst mature trees in a tranquil and semi-rural setting close to Richmond Park and is now available for hire for a variety of community uses and social events. Its many original features are enhanced by modern amenities including a small fully equipped kitchen, comfortable seating, under-floor heating and full facilities for the disabled. It can hold 60 people seated or 100 standing and there is ample parking in the vicinity or the 371 bus service is a short walk away in nearby Queens Road.
The Chapel is an ideal venue for local events including meetings, small exhibitions, musical performances, rehearsals, amateur dramatics, mother and toddler and youth groups, with external floodlighting for evening use. Please contact the Trust office on 020 8891 5455 for further information.