Cllr Katie Mansfield discusses Centre Stage Richmond’s impact

Richmond’s Centre Stage weekend turned the town centre into a lively, welcoming hub.

Shops and restaurants were busy, performances took place across George Street, Whittaker Avenue, the Riverside and Hill Rise, and visitors enjoyed theatre, music, puppetry and family activities. The event created a strong carnival atmosphere, helped by good weather, and showed how culture, community and business can combine to make a high street feel vibrant.

The Council said last year’s one-day Centre Stage event boosted footfall by around 30 per cent and increased trade for local businesses by 30 to 45 per cent. This year’s expanded version, delivered with Richmond BID and the Orange Tree Theatre, built on that success by stretching across more of the town centre and giving local people, especially children and young people, more chances to take part.

Although the economic impact of this year’s event is not yet known, the visible effect was clear: people stopped, watched, met friends, shopped, ate and enjoyed themselves. The message is that the future of high streets is not just about retail, but about giving people reasons to visit, stay and return.

Cllr Mansfield said,” Everyone I speak to is ambitious for Richmond town centre, and I certainly am. We have already started work on the next stage – thinking about our play space, town square, George Street, seating and wayfinding, alongside the things that matter every day: clean streets, good public toilets and feeling safe.”

The Council now wants to further shape Richmond’s town centre, with plans and ideas for play space, the town square, George Street, seating, wayfinding, cleanliness, toilets, and safety.

It is inviting feedback from residents, businesses and community groups to help create a more welcoming and enjoyable high street for everyone.