A row of properties in central Twickenham could be bought by Richmond Council as part of plans to redevelop King Street.

The council’s finance and performance overview and scrutiny committee has recommended the purchase of 1, 1A, 1B King Street and 2/4 Water Lane, currently occupied by Santander, M&Co and Superdrug, with office space above and a car park.

Proposals were discussed by the council’s cabinet earlier this month, but the decision to approve the plans was unanimous.

The purchase of the site is part of the council’s long-term plan to encourage the rejuvenation and revitalise Twickenham town centre and plans for the shops could include the widening of Water Lane to create an open gateway to Twickenham riverside.

Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, the council’s cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “We are committed to rejuvenating the area.

“We have already invested substantial sums of money to take forward our proposals. We have already opened up a large part of the riverside through the new Diamond Jubilee Gardens. The pool buildings themselves remain to be redeveloped.

“Through purchasing these buildings, we will be able to redevelop the whole of the riverside. We shall create a new public square and widened entrance from King Street down to the River Thames. We shall open up the riverside in Twickenham.”