A small fire erupted this morning (August 15) in the Queen Mary Hall on the Cambridge Gardens Estate in Norbiton.

No one was hurt in the incident, but there is substantial damage to the interior of the hall.

Queen Mary Hall was reopened following refurbishment in January 2023.

The hall is used by many local groups, such as youth clubs, church services and social enterprise organisations, among others.

Most notably, Queen Mary Hall is home to a food bank and the Tuesday Lunch Club, which serves vulnerable residents in the area.

Kingston Council said that they are notifying hall hirers today and supporting them to find alternative provisions.

The outcome of the fire may prevent hirers from using the venue, such as Piper Active Youth Club who hold socials in the hall every Tuesday evening.

There are concerns that any food stored in the hall's freezers by local food charities will go off as all power on site has been turned off and nobody is allowed to enter the building.

The council's housing staff have been working on site with the fire service to begin recovery plans and gain an understanding of how long it will take to restore the building to safe use as a thriving hub for community engagement and support.

Kingston Council said: "We are saddened by the disruption resulting from the fire to this vibrant - and vital venue for activities and services.

"Queen Mary Hall is a pivotal community asset for Kingston residents, especially in serving council tenants on Cambridge Gardens and the neighbouring Cambridge Road Estate."

"It is a pivotal community asset for Kingston residents, especially in serving council residents on the Cambridge Road Estate."

They continued: "Kingston Council is undertaking a once-in-a-generation transformation programme on Cambridge Road Estate that will include a new Community Hub, together with new council-owned homes alongside properties for private purchase."