South London Hospital’s Vacant Wing Set for Demolition to Make Way for New Housing Development

Plans to demolish the Regent Wing, a former section of a South London hospital, have been approved, paving the way for the construction of 150 new homes. The Victorian-era building, which was part of Kingston Hospital until its closure in 2021, will be replaced by three six-storey apartment blocks as part of a development spearheaded by Bywater Properties.

Revitalising a Historic Site

The redevelopment plan includes the construction of 150 build-to-rent flats, as well as amenities such as cycle storage, five designated Blue Badge parking bays, play areas for children, and a newly established public pathway linking Coombe Road to the site. The Kingston Council planning committee granted approval to the scheme on 8th July, with members expressing their belief that the current proposal is a significant improvement over previous ones.

Conservative councillor Ian George remarked, “On balance, I think most residents find this proposal acceptable and an enhancement on the earlier application.” Regent Wing was originally erected in 1868 as an infirmary for the Kingston Union Workhouse and later transitioned to office space for Kingston Hospital. However, it has remained unoccupied since 2021, following its separation from the Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust.

Previous Development Attempts

In 2022, the Planning Inspectorate had approved an appeal by Advanced Living (Kingston) Limited to demolish Regent Wing, with plans for 128 new flats designated for older individuals, alongside a wellness centre and restaurant in a structure reaching up to eight storeys. This earlier proposal included the provision of 43 parking spaces but was never realised.

Bywater Properties subsequently acquired the site and expressed intentions to enhance the approved plan after conducting a thorough review. The decision on the development had initially been slated for April; however, it was postponed to address concerns regarding the feasibility of including affordable housing in the project.

Financial Contributions for Affordable Housing

During the planning meeting on 8th July, council officers revealed that the developer had proposed a payment of £2.3 million to the council to support affordable housing initiatives in other locations, as onsite provision had been deemed financially unviable. In their assessment, council officers noted that the proposed build-to-rent flats would offer a higher quality of managed and regulated rental housing, which could be more accessible to prospective tenants compared to the traditional homebuying market.

The officers highlighted that the development would “optimise the site effectively and exemplify a high standard of design, owing to its thoughtful architecture, layout, and landscaping.” The planning documents further elaborated that the site represents a significant opportunity to deliver much-needed housing within the borough, situated in a highly sustainable area near Norbiton station.

A Vision for Sustainable Development

The proposal aims to create a benchmark for sustainable design, social value, and community engagement in urban development. As the project moves forward, local stakeholders are optimistic about the potential benefits it could bring to the community.

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