Manor Road Richmond secures planning

Full planning approval has been granted for Manor Road, paving the way for the transformation of the former Homebase site in Richmond into a vibrant urban village just 10 minutes from Kew Gardens.

Designed by Assael for client Avalon and ICG, the approved scheme will deliver 453 contemporary residences, 40% of which are affordable, along with a dynamic mix of retail spaces on the ground floor. These will be distributed across five architectural blocks of varying heights, all centred around a thoughtfully designed, climate-responsive public realm created by Gillespies.

The public realm has been carefully crafted to enhance ecology and improve connectivity through a network of interconnected green squares, courtyards, and streets. At the heart of this new community is a versatile neighbourhood square, designed to host everything from intimate farmers' markets to open-air cinema nights, enriching the local social fabric and transforming this site into a must-visit destination.

Residents will also enjoy private communal courtyards, offering exclusive spaces for relaxation and social interaction. The street frontage along Manor Road will feature new paving, tree planting, and vibrant retail outlets, activating the ground floor and transforming the pedestrian approach to North Sheen station, infusing the area with fresh vitality and urban character.

The precinct will be distinguished by a contemporary design aesthetic combined with a planting strategy tailored to the site’s unique environmental conditions. This approach will establish a distinct identity, with subtle nods to the site’s history and townscape, creating a richly detailed sense of place.

Playful elements are integrated throughout the landscape, offering diverse and engaging play spaces accessible to all ages and abilities. The planting strategy, informed by the site’s microclimate, will enhance each space with distinctive colour, seasonality, and biodiversity. The use of climate-adapted species ensures that the landscape will thrive under future environmental conditions, ensuring the development’s long-term sustainability and resilience.