Richmond Council Approves Ambitious Decade-Long Growth Framework
Richmond Council has formally approved a draft growth plan that outlines ambitious targets to transform the borough over the next decade. The comprehensive framework aims to attract significant investment, workers, and visitors by 2036 through a coordinated strategy of development and economic enhancement.
Housing and Infrastructure Expansion
The cornerstone of the plan involves the construction of at least 5,500 new homes within the next ten years. This target aligns with Richmond's recently adopted Local Plan from October, which mandates the delivery of these residences, including a commitment to 500 affordable housing units. The council plans to collaborate closely with developers to identify suitable sites and unlock funding, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of new homes to address current housing pressures.
Recent data highlights the urgency of this initiative, with 2,527 households currently on the council's waiting list and 761 families residing in temporary accommodation as of this month. The growth plan seeks to mitigate these challenges by accelerating housing delivery while maintaining quality and accessibility.
Economic and Employment Targets
Beyond housing, the plan sets forth aggressive economic objectives. It aims to increase the number of jobs in the borough by 20% and boost the count of trading businesses by 10% over the same period. Additionally, the strategy targets a 20% rise in earnings for the lowest-paid workers, alongside reducing unemployment to pre-pandemic levels.
The council also intends to elevate the borough's economic activity rate to consistently exceed 80%. A key focus will be on fostering "high growth" businesses—those employing ten or more people—by raising their proportion from 5.5% to 7%. These measures are designed to enhance career progression, sustainability, and overall economic wellbeing.
Council Leadership and Implementation
The draft plan received approval from Richmond Council's finance committee on February 12. Councillor Phil Giesler, the Liberal Democrat business and growth lead member, emphasized the borough's strong foundation while advocating for accelerated progress. He stated, "We have a good track record over the last 25 years, being the second-fastest growing borough in London, but we can grow much further and much faster."
Councillor Giesler highlighted the plan as a vital statement of ambition for Richmond, underscoring its role in guiding future growth. A council officer report noted that despite challenges such as technological changes and the potential large-scale deployment of Artificial Intelligence, these targets are achievable and will maximize economic benefits for the community.
Next Steps and Oversight
Following committee approval, council officers will finalize the growth plan for an official launch later this year. To ensure effective delivery up to 2036, the authority will establish a "growth coalition" tasked with overseeing implementation and monitoring progress against the outlined goals.
This strategic initiative represents a significant step forward in Richmond's development, aiming to balance residential expansion with economic vitality while addressing pressing social needs like affordable housing and employment opportunities.
