DEMOLISHING the Santander building and creating a public square is among an ambitious set of proposals to transform Twickenham town centre.

A new community centre could also be built at the Royal Mail site and Regal House could be refurbished to include a cinema and rooftop restaurant, under options being considered by Richmond Council.

Ideas for regenerating Twickenham were unveiled at the weekend, with residents and business people asked to give their opinion on three 'scenarios' for development.

The first option, 'consolidation', would involve relatively minor changes such as improving shop fronts, encouraging better use of the river and widening pavements.

Option two, 'enhancement', involves more radical steps like razing the Santander building in King Street and creating a public square leading to the river. It also includes plans for a community centre and cinema.

The third and most ambitious option would see all the above developments taking place, along with the possible closure of York Street to traffic during off-peak hours and the development of an extended 'cultural quarter' focused around York House.

Councillor Virginia Morris, cabinet member for the environment, said: "Over the course of the last year thousands of local people have attended the Barefoot Consultation and Twickenham Conference, and responded to the All-In-One survey to tell us their priorities for the future of Twickenham.

"We have considered very carefully all of this feedback and done our very best to ensure it has been reflected in the options we are now putting forward for the next stage of community consultation."

Public views about key locations like Twickenham station, the Royal Mail site and the riverside will be incorporated into the council's Local Development Framework for the town and more detailed plans will be produced later this year.

The three 'scenarios', drawn up by consultants Broadway Malyan, will be on display at Twickenham library and the Civic Centre throughout the six-week consultation period, which ends on July 22. They are also available online at www.richmond.gov.uk/twickenham_area_action_plan .

Are these the right measures to improve Twickenham or should it be left as it is? Please post your thoughts and comments on our Richmond Informer website .