Dilapidated Richmond Buildings to be Transformed into 36 New Homes Amid Concerns Over Glass Debris in Neighbouring Gardens

Plans have been approved for the conversion of derelict buildings at a Victorian waterworks in Hampton into 36 residential units and office spaces, following a period of neglect lasting over six years. Richmond Council has granted permission for the restoration and extension of the Karslake and Ruston and Ward buildings, which are located on Upper Sunbury Road at the Hampton Water Treatment Works.

Restoration of Historic Structures

The initiative, spearheaded by developer Waterfall Planning Ltd, aims to transform these two Grade II listed buildings into a mix of 36 flats—two of which will be designated as social housing—and office or co-working facilities capable of accommodating up to 40 individuals. At a planning meeting held on the evening of July 15, Liberal Democrat council leader Gareth Roberts expressed strong support for the project on behalf of local councillors. He emphasised the urgent need for work to commence, lamenting that the developer had allowed the buildings to “rot” after previous plans for redevelopment were rejected due to a lack of affordable housing options.

Councillor Roberts highlighted the distress caused to local residents, stating, “They’ve had to put up with falling glass in their front gardens and the general dilapidation of the property next to them.” He urged the council to approve the current proposal, asserting that it would alleviate the visual blight for neighbours and help preserve a significant heritage asset for future generations.

Previous Plans and Community Concerns

The council had previously turned down the developer’s proposal to convert the buildings into 37 homes, which did not include any affordable housing, back in 2021. Karen Jones, the planning consultant for the current project, articulated that the revised plans aim to create “a legacy for both existing and future residents.” She explained that the project seeks to achieve the highest possible compliance with planning policies while also aiming to preserve as much of the site’s historic fabric as feasible.

Jones further noted that the development would provide “significant and lasting public benefits,” including the restoration of the listed buildings to ensure their long-term viability. The structures are part of the waterworks complex established in the 1850s, which was previously operated by Thames Water before the company divested the buildings in 2017. They have remained vacant since 2019.

Connecting the Community to Its Heritage

Planning documents for the project assert that the proposal will “reconnect the Waterworks buildings with Hampton village, bringing life back to a historic and prominent site that is currently derelict and empty.” This development not only promises to revitalise the area but also seeks to honour the site’s historical significance while addressing pressing housing needs in the community.

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