FIRST GLIMPSE: plans revealed for 16-storey tower on Kingston riverside
By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter
9th Aug 2021 | Local News
Kingston riverside could be getting a new 16-storey tower by 2024.
Plans to build the 16-storey block and a 13-storey 'shoulder building' in the empty car park next to Kingston John Lewis have been revealed.
Called Thames Side Wharf, the new development would provide more housing, 35% of which it says will be affordable.
It would be a mixed-use development with commercial space intended as a "flexible creative space to contribute to the new Creative Quarter envisaged by the Council," the website states.
But the project has been criticised by Kingston residents.
The Kingston Society described the tower as an "inappropriately scaled building for this key riverside location."
The group also slammed feedback opportunities for the scheme, calling an online meeting about the plans "tick-boxing consultation of the worst kind."
Screenshots from a powerpoint presentation at the meeting were shared by the society and show in more detail the effect the building will have on Kingston's skyline and marketplace views.
In addition, Caroline Scott, who lives in Canbury Ward, said she would rather see a park go in the space.
In her response to the consultation she wrote: "Kingston Town Centre is already short of open space with massive residential developments happening or planned on the Old Post Office Site, Canbury Place Car Park, Kingfisher and Cattle Market sites and the Guildhall.
"This proposal will not open up the area. It will close it down with a huge tower and many more people.
"It will not be affordable to local people as prices in such a prime riverside location will start so high that - even with a discount to market price - they will not be in any way affordable."
Another round of consultations on the project are due to be held in September, with a planning application set to be submitted in 'late 2021.'
To see more information about the plans and have your say, fill in the survey on the consultation website by today (9 August).
What do you think of the plans?
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