Major revamps of huge housing estates, a decision on the future of Chessington World of Adventures waterpark and the replacement of a long-awaited leisure centre are among big changes coming to Kingston in 2024.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) have put together a list providing a brief overview of developments to look out for in the boroughs as we enter the New Year. These include the construction of schemes that have already been approved, along with long-awaited decisions on major proposals.

Further details on planning applications can be found on each council's website. Members of the public can comment on applications that are still open for consultation online.

Updates on replacement of Kingfisher Leisure Centre

Further updates on the controversial replacement of the Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Kingston are expected this year, after the project was hit by major delays. Angry residents hit out at Kingston Council after it revealed last year it did not have enough cash in its current budget to build the replacement it had originally planned, which would have cost almost £80m.

The leisure centre shut in 2019 and it was demolished in late 2022, after it was decided repairs to fix the roof would cost more than £5m. The council previously said the replacement would be built by late 2024 but it scrapped these plans after carrying out a tendering process to appoint a contractor for the project, which returned a figure of £79.5m.

The council has now appointed developer Alliance Leisure to oversee the revised project, working with architects Roberts Limbrick. The authority said it will hold public sessions in the New Year to provide updates ahead of engagement on the revised designs in spring, with building works currently set to begin in 2025.

Cambridge Road Estate, Norbiton. (Photo: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)

Redevelopment of Cambridge Road Estate

The major redevelopment of the Cambridge Road Estate in Norbiton is continuing after building works began in May last year. Kingston Council approved the scheme in December 2021, which will see the 1960s and 1970s estate demolished and rebuilt with 2,170 new homes. The original estate had 832 homes.

The scheme includes 941 affordable homes, including 767 council homes, a new community centre and outdoor spaces. It is being carried out in five phases by the council and developer Countryside Partnerships.

Decision on plans for new waterpark at Chessington World of Adventures

Kingston Council could make a decision on plans to build a new waterpark at Chessington World of Adventures this year. The safari hotel at Chessington would be expanded to create the waterpark under the plans from owner Merlin Entertainments.

The waterpark would include wave, infinity and spa pools, lazy and rapid rivers, themed water slides, a splash pad, an aqua play area, a safari 'beach', cabanas, a snack bar and a café. It would have views onto the Wanyama Reserve, which has animals including zebras and giraffes. The council is consulting on the application, which will be referred to the planning committee for a final decision in due course.