A developer, which is currently converting former Kingston University accommodation into a mixed-use residential and hotel development, is preparing to put its flats on the market.

Westcombe Group is awaiting consent for its last set of planning proposals for the conversion of Kingston Bridge House in Hampton Wick to Richmond Council at the end of the month.

The final proposals relate to the developer's plans to convert the second block of the site into a five-star boutique hotel, and will allow it to put the almost finished accompanying flats on the market.

Westcombe Group first submitted its proposals back in July last year, which included converting the former accommodation into 22 apartments, including four affordable housing units, and a 90-bed boutique hotel with a bar and restaurant, after holding a public consultation in October 2024.

The developer said that "As well as breathing much-needed new life into an otherwise vacant building, the development is projected to bring significant economic benefits to the local community".

It said that the benefits will include:

During construction:

• £18m investment in construction
• 35 full-time equivalent net additional jobs per year through the construction period

Once completed and occupied:

• 45 residents, 9,000 visitors per year
• £4.3m of spend in the local community on retail and leisure every year
• 50 full-time jobs at the hotel
• £195k of additional Council Tax and business rates each year.

Construction of the new flats has already begun, and Westcombe Group expects that the work will be done by the end of November.

Overlooking Hampton Court gardens and the river, the new development offers four floors consisting of one- to three- bedroom apartments, with four on the ground floor being for social housing.

The bathrooms and flooring are already done, and each apartment will have a balcony and will be on the market for a "competitive" price, according to a Westcombe Group spokesperson.

In an exclusive interview with Nub News, Kamal Pankhania, CEO of the Westcombe Group, said that the new development "ticks off boxes for those looking to downsize and who want greater amenity and great views".

He said: "The location of the site is what drew us to start this development - with the position of the building being simultaneously close to the high street and overlooking the Hampton Court Park.

"We also think that the view of the river and the park is a big plus, especially as it will help boost residents' wellbeing, which, since COVID, is something we really focus on.

"And this is supplemented with the two stations at Kingston and Hampton Wick, making it a great commuter location for residents.

Pankhania continued: "Additionally, by adding four affordable homes, we are matching Kingston Council's plans for affordable housing.

"Essentially, we are bringing a beautiful building back to life with 22 affordable flats, including four affordable units."

The CEO explained that the hotel will be a boutique hotel with 90 bedrooms rather than a huge hotel with something like 500 rooms and will "fit the ethos of the high street" as well as provide new jobs.

He added that the additional restaurant and bar will help fix the "lack of top quality food and beverage in Kingston and Hampton Wick".

Pankhania said that the whole development will "supplement the area", particularly with it being close to Richmond and Twickenham Stadium.

He added that the hotel will help accommodate rugby fans visiting the stadium.

The Westcombe Group is a family business that was founded by Pankhania's father 50 years ago.

It specialises in both commercial and residential developments, and moved to include hotels to help aid economic development.

Pankhaina told Nub News that he was introduced to the industry from a young age and would spend his summer holidays at building sites from the age of eight.

"I have a passion for property and business," he said.