Kingston Council is pressing ahead with plans to transform its headquarters by extending a landmark 1930s building and selling remaining offices. The council has decided this is the 'best option' for the town centre complex and could save it significant cash.

A report by council officers said the plans, which are still in early stages, would allow the authority to 'release surplus accommodation, generate income and save on running costs'. It described the complex as no longer fit-for-purpose due to being 'under occupied with a surplus of desks, inefficient design, poor energy efficiency and high building running costs', while it has a 'significant backlog of maintenance and general works'.

The complex includes the Guildhall's main Grade II listed building, built in 1935, which is home to the council chamber. It also has two 1970s office buildings, which were deemed surplus to requirements in 2022.

The council found in a review it only needs around 55% of the space currently provided across the complex for operations. It is now proposing to move all services to the Guildhall's main building by revamping and extending it, which it described as the best option following multiple assessments.

The authority recently cleared one of the office buildings of staff and services, which it is planning to sell. It is using the other building as its main offices while it develops the plans for the complex. This building would be brought forward for sale at a later date, if the current proposals go ahead.

The report said the changes could lead to the council saving around £1.5million a year. It added the plans would allow the Guildhall to be made more accessible to the public and services would be improved, along with helping the wider regeneration of Kingston town centre.

The council's corporate and resources committee will vote on proposals to produce detailed designs and cost estimates for the revamp and extension of the Guildhall's main building, and move ahead with selling the empty office building, on February 20.

If the proposals are approved, it is expected that detailed designs will be considered by the committee in 2025 ahead of any planning applications being submitted. If the scheme wins final permission to go ahead, the committee will be asked to approve the sale of the remaining office building.