Kingston Council today launched an early engagement around plans to transform the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Cattle Market car park and Guildhall campus. Using the Kingston: Let's Talk platform, residents can give their feedback through an interactive digital survey to share their views.

The council is encouraging people to get involved from an early stage and have their say on what they would like to see on these sites.

The proposals will deliver a brand-new, modern community leisure, well-being, and cultural destination on the site of the Kingfisher Leisure Centre which is accessible for all residents and offers a range of facilities that benefit everyone. The new leisure building will have a swimming pool and teaching pool, but we are keen to hear about other facilities people would like to see here. The plans will also include improving the public spaces around the building, to celebrate the neighbouring Kingston Library and Museum, and creating a new focal point in the town centre. This will help to diversify Kingston's local economy beyond retail and ignite a vibrant leisure and cultural scene.

The council is also looking to make better use of its buildings and transform the Guildhall campus, including the iconic Guildhall. With more staff working remotely during the pandemic, the council is looking at the ways in which it operates and how it can move services closer to residents.

Cllr John Sweeney, Portfolio Holder for Business and Leisure, said:

"We are looking to transform the Kingfisher into a new identifiable leisure, well-being and cultural destination that provides an inspiring and welcoming setting for people to come together.

"The Guildhall is an iconic, historic building, which we want to respect and protect. This is also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Hogsmill River, creating a new public space for people to experience and enjoy.

"We want to hear from the whole community, as we embark on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, that seeks to celebrate our rich past, and reposition and diversify Kingston's town centre, so it is ready to thrive in a post-COVID world."

The survey will remain open until Sunday 25 April, after which the council will use feedback to inform their plans. Visit HERE to learn more and fill in the survey.

Feedback captured will be used to inform the vision and early plans for the sites and there will be further consultations on the evolving proposals in the summer.