Kingston University yesterday, Thursday, 20 March, launched a second-round public consultation on its proposals for a new state-of-the-art building at the Middle Mill site, next to its Knights Park campus. 

 In partnership with internationally renowned Grafton Architects, Kingston University has unveiled updated proposals for its Middle Mill development, following an initial round of public consultation in November and December 2024.

CGI of the new building (Image supplied)

These include an updated colour palette, which takes influence from surrounding buildings and local wildlife, and an improved internal layout to be enjoyed by both students and the local community.

 This builds on the original proposals shared last year, which include a sawtooth roof design acknowledging the site's industrial heritage and maximising natural light, alongside the use of clay tile cladding traditionally used in many of Kingston's current buildings.

Internally, the building's wooden structure reinforces the University's commitment to sustainable material choices.

CGI of the new building's interior (Image supplied)

 Proposals include publicly accessible facilities including exhibition spaces, and a new café, alongside a new flexible studio space available to students, which will contribute to a strong campus identity.

Set on the Hogsmill River, the designs include plans to improve green spaces alongside the building, incorporating design features to protect the local wildlife.  

The new building seeks to reflect the creative character that Kingston University is renowned for, complementing Kingston School of Art's existing facilities and placing the building at the heart of Kingston's Creative Quarter. 

 Shelley McNamara, Principal Director of Grafton Architects, said: "We imagined an architecture which would respect the needs of the existing riverside ecosystem as well as the spatial needs of Kingston University. This has generated a sense of 'soft edges', a gentle shoreline between the river-world and manmade ground.

"We know of no other university building which is so proximate to such a unique confluence of natural riches and possessing this 'otherworldly' atmosphere, which is so conducive to study, contemplation, discovery and social delight."   

Kingston University will now also be holding in-person events to give students, staff, stakeholders, and the local community a further opportunity to share feedback on the updated design proposals.

The consultation events will take place at the Knights Park Campus at the following dates and times:  

• Saturday, 29 March from 10am – 2pm. 
• Wednesday, 23 April from 4pm – 7pm.

For those who cannot attend the events, all the information on the revised plans, including an online feedback form, is available on the Middle Mill consultation website.  

 Following this round of consultation, Kingston University will review all feedback submitted and continue to refine designs ahead of planning submission to the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames later in 2025.

It is hoped that the new building at Middle Mill will be open for use during the 2029-30 academic year.