In this new ‘From ambition to action’ blog series, key South London stakeholders respond to the South London BIG Ambition Growth Statement.

Great places don’t grow in isolation – it takes vision, identity and strong connections to create something bigger.

That’s why the growth vision recently launched by the South London Partnership is so important. It sets out a bold, timely step forward for how our five boroughs – Richmond, Kingston, Merton, Sutton and Croydon – can accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth, not in competition, but in collaboration.

As the new Chief Executive of Richmond Council, I am delighted to have joined at such an important and energising moment – not just for our borough, but for South London more broadly. The ambitions set out align closely with the approach we’re shaping in Richmond: one rooted in place, focused on people, and grounded in partnership.

Richmond upon Thames is proud of its distinct identity – from its riverfronts and green spaces to its historic town centres and world-class institutions like the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington. But like all great places, Richmond doesn’t stand apart from the world around it. We’re a vital part of the wider South London economy – one that’s already home to more than 1.2 million residents, 55,000 businesses and £38 billion in economic output.

The vision also reflects something I’ve long believed: local government is at its best when it acts together. Borough boundaries may shape our services, but the things that define people’s lives – jobs, transport, education, housing, and health – don’t stop at those lines. We must lead beyond them.

The partnership-led approach at the heart of this agenda is exactly the kind of joined-up, place-based leadership that Richmond – and South London – needs. It’s an approach I’m pleased to support.

 

A Polycentric South London

The vision makes a compelling case for polycentric growth – an idea, set out in the London Growth Plan, that every part of London can and should grow in ways that reflect its own strengths and character.

That idea sits comfortably in Richmond. Our future isn’t about replicating city-centre models of growth – it’s about building on what already makes our borough special.

For us, that means a focus on sustainable, inclusive innovation. We’re home to pioneering research and high-value enterprise, including global institutions like the National Physical Laboratory, and a vibrant cluster of creative, digital and professional service businesses. Our skilled workforce and outstanding education providers underpin a strong local economy – and we’re backing that up with focused investment in town centres, night-time economy strategies, and a renewed approach to high street recovery and placemaking.

But just as importantly, we recognise that our growth must contribute to the wider regional picture. While Richmond is relatively well-served by public transport into central London, we know that orbital connectivity across South London remains a real barrier – particularly for neighbouring boroughs like Sutton and Kingston. A collective voice from South London boroughs is essential to highlight to key decision-makers the daily challenges our businesses and residents face in getting around.

That’s what shared leadership looks like: rooted in the needs of your own place, but never blind to the priorities of others.

 

People, Place, Infrastructure

The South London Partnership has identified three essential foundations for growth: Place, People and Infrastructure. These resonate deeply with the work already underway in Richmond, and the direction of travel I’ve begun to outline with colleagues and partners since joining.

On people: Richmond is focused on creating pathways into good jobs, especially for those underrepresented in our local labour market. Through our Richmond Work Match job brokerage, our partnership with local colleges and our work with the South London Careers Hub, we’re helping to build inclusive talent pipelines in areas like health and care, digital and the green economy – widening opportunity for residents across all backgrounds and life stages.

On place: We’re actively investing in our town centres, green infrastructure and the cultural economy. The Twickenham Riverside project is a flagship example – transforming an underused site into a lively, welcoming civic destination. We’re also supporting our visitor economy and night-time offer – recognising the vital role place plays in attracting talent, business and a dynamic local culture.

On infrastructure: Our needs differ from some other boroughs, but we share the same regional outlook. We’re working with Transport for London and South London colleagues to ensure the sub-region gets its fair share of investment to support our growth potential.  Digital access, 5G coverage and freight logistics are also critical infrastructure needs for our economy. As a region, we must take a holistic view – from walking routes and fibre rollout to climate resilience and electric vehicle charging.

Crucially, none of this happens in isolation. It happens when councils, colleges, businesses and anchor institutions come together around a shared agenda – and that’s exactly the spirit behind this partnership.

 

Anchoring Growth in Partnership

The power of partnership runs through this vision – and through Richmond’s approach to place leadership.

Whether through collaboration with Kew Gardens and St Mary’s University, or leadership within the South London Anchor Network – we know that working together brings scale and pace.

I’m particularly excited by the opportunities emerging from South London’s growth clusters. Take the new School of Medicine at St Mary’s University: it has the potential to anchor a new era of health and life sciences innovation – especially when connected to regional assets like the London Cancer Hub in Sutton or Kingston Hospital. With the right investment and coordination, we can not only improve outcomes but also help grow a homegrown NHS workforce.

Similarly, our growing network of creative hubs – including the launch of pioneering neighbourhood workspace Patch in Twickenham – adds to a vibrant sub-regional ecosystem of makers, creators and entrepreneurs, from Croydon’s music scene to Merton’s design-led education. By coordinating our strengths, we can unlock fresh opportunities for enterprise, investment and learning.

This is the story South London should be telling: not five places competing, but five places collaborating – each contributing something distinctive, all gaining from the collective.

 

Looking Ahead 

South London’s future is full of potential – and Richmond is proud to be part of its story.

With the right investment and a shared sense of purpose, we can unlock growth that is good for people and good for place. It means being ambitious for our own borough, while staying focused on the bigger picture. And it means acting not just as custodians of place, but as collaborators in a sub-regional mission.

For my part, I look forward to working with colleagues across the South London Partnership – and with our regional and national partners – to turn this vision into reality.

We have the talent. We have the institutions. We have the ambition. Now we need the backing to get on and deliver.

 

About the South London Partnership

The South London Partnership (SLP) is a cross-party collaboration of five London boroughs: Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, and Sutton. The SLP’s current priorities include securing transformative improvements in health and care; creating more opportunities for local people to access high-quality jobs; delivering UK-leading infrastructure in housing and digital and transport connectivity; and driving ever greater investment into research and teaching institutions, making South London the ‘go to’ place for inclusive and sustainable innovation.

Read the South London BIG Ambition growth strategy

 

Andrew Travers Bio

Andrew Travers is the Interim Chief Executive of Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, leading the unique shared workforce that delivers services across both boroughs. He brings extensive experience from senior roles across local government, including as Chief Executive of Lambeth and Barnet councils, and most recently at Southampton City Council. Andrew is recognised for his track record in the public service, leading large-scale transformation and delivering improved outcomes for residents.