Old South London council offices could be demolished for 100 new homes

Developer Kier Property has proposed replacing an office block, previously part of Kingston Council’s Guildhall complex, with residential units.

The council cleared the block before putting it up for sale last year as part of the authority’s plans to sell off parts of the Guildhall development to generate income and reduce operational costs for the authority.

The town centre complex features the Guildhall’s main Grade II listed building, constructed in 1935, which is home to the council chamber, and two 1970s office buildings. The office blocks were deemed surplus to requirements in 2022.

Kingston Council plans to eventually consolidate all services into the Guildhall’s main building after refurbishment and extension. The authority is currently using the other office block as its main offices while it develops these proposals, with its eventual sale also anticipated.

Kier Property has now confirmed it wants to replace the empty office block with around 100 new homes, shops and offices. The development would provide new public and shared outdoor spaces and more trees. The developer said the plans would “bring an underused site back into productive use and help meet local housing needs”.

Alexandra Conway, residential managing director for Kier Property, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring a long-vacant site back into use, delivering much-needed new homes in a highly sustainable town centre location.

“We are committed to working closely with local residents, community groups and businesses to help shape our proposals, ensuring the development responds to local needs and creates lasting benefits for the wider community.

“We encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and share their views as we develop our plans.”

Kier Property will run a public consultation on the plans from July 16 to August 16.

The developer will consider feedback given during the consultation before submitting a planning application for the scheme, which would have to be approved for it to go ahead.

A drop-in public exhibition event will be held on July 16 at the Richard Mayo Centre, Kingston United Reformed Church, Eden Street, between 3pm and 7pm.

The proposals will also be available to view online during the consultation period.