British Land and Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd (USS) have secured planning approval from the Royal Borough of Kingston for the €462.2m (£400m) regeneration of Eden Walk, Kingston.
The proposed scheme, designed by BDP Architects, will regenerate part of the historic market town providing:
- 28 new retail units with potential to attract a broad range of new brands to the area
- 12 restaurants and cafes, alongside a sky restaurant with panoramic views across Kingston’s historic centre
- 380 new homes, with 10% being starter homes
- c.35,000 ft² of high quality, modern and flexible office space
- Three large public spaces, with space for events
- A boutique cinema, located next to the sky restaurant
- New pedestrian routes to other parts of the town centre.
The proposed development will create an estimated 600 additional jobs for local people and attract a substantial increase in retail and leisure spend to Kingston. The formal planning approval follows an extensive programme of community engagement over two years, resulting in significant local support for the development.
Richard Wise, Head of Retail Development for British Land, said: “Kingston is a special place which enjoys a unique blend of heritage, retail and leisure from its great riverside location. Looking forward, Kingston’s standing in Greater London will continue to rise, because the Council has a positive growth agenda and is willing to get things done.
“The proposed redevelopment of Eden Walk is designed to complement the existing retail offer and create a high quality central space for Kingston which will over time, become the heart of the town. It will be a place that reflects modern lifestyles, where people can live, shop, work and relax with friends and family.”
Graham Burnett, Head of Property at USS Investment Management, added: “We are pleased that the development has received formal planning consent and look forward to an even brighter future for Eden Walk.”
Leader of Kingston Council, Councillor Kevin Davis, said: "We're immensely excited to see the redevelopment of Eden Walk move a step closer. To grow and prosper, the borough needs high quality and carefully considered schemes like this one and the fact that Kingston is able to attract such significant investment, is a huge vote of confidence in the future direction of the borough.
"Eden Walk is a key component in our plans to revitalise and future-proof our town centre, and follows on from the restoration of our Ancient Market Place and riverside improvements. Once completed Eden Walk will offer an attractive blend of retail, leisure and living space that is in-keeping with the character of our royal borough, and furthers our ambitions to make Kingston the dominant retail destination in south west London."
Eden Walk is surrounded by Kingston University with more than 23,000 students, the College and theatre. The current centre appeals to a wide range of shoppers and has a total catchment of more than three million, a comparison goods spend potential of €1.11bn (£963m) and catering spend potential of €300.4m (£260m).
