Kingston University has submitted a planning application for a state-of-the-art education building at the Middle Mill site, designed to elevate creative learning and innovation at Kingston School of Art on its Knights Park campus.

The application, which has been lodged with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, sets out proposals for a high specification building featuring studio-based teaching space, lecture theatre, student gallery, specialist arts and media facilities, cafeteria and enhanced technical facilities for students completing courses at Kingston School of Art to support creativity and innovation.

Design concepts for the building reflect the distinct creative character and high quality of education and innovation for which Kingston School of Art is renowned, both nationally and internationally. 

Located alongside the University's Stanley Picker Gallery and Kingston School of Art, the proposed building will form part of a new creative quarter that further enriches the borough's thriving arts community and contributes to its vibrant cultural life. Plans also include new publicly accessible spaces and enhanced public realm features to benefit local residents.

Designed by the globally acclaimed Grafton Architects, winners of the RIBA Stirling Prize and EU Mies van der Rohe Award for Kingston University's Town House building, the new development reflects the creative spirit and architectural ambition of the University.

The design aims to foster a stronger sense of campus identity for students and staff, while contributing to Kingston's vibrant cultural landscape.

Grafton's vision incorporates an innovative north-light, sawtooth roofline to maximise natural light and reduce overall energy consumption and is a nod to the site's industrial heritage.

Sustainably sourced wood and natural clay tile cladding will reduce embodied carbon and harmonise with the surrounding architecture, blending contemporary design with local character.

Sustainability is central to the project. The riverside location along the Hogsmill River will be embraced through increased biodiversity, focusing both on existing natural habitats and creating new nature-friendly landscaping enhancing local ecology.

The development embraces its riverside setting on the Hogsmill, creating a river campus feel with new walking and cycling routes through the site.

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

The final design included within the application has been shaped by conversations with a range of community stakeholders across two stages of pre-application consultation.

Earlier this spring, the university delivered a six-week second stage consultation on the proposals to give its neighbours, community groups, wider borough residents and its staff and students an opportunity to find out more about its vision for the site and provide feedback on the evolving designs.

Responses were submitted through the dedicated Middle Mill consultation website and at a series of in-person events held at the Knights Park campus. This followed a first phase of consultation held in autumn 2024.

Kingston University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steven Spier, said: "The proposed building at Middle Mill reflects Kingston School of Art's success as a world-leading place to study the creative industries.

"At Kingston University, we firmly believe world-class architectural design drives educational innovation and excellence, as we have seen with Grafton's Town House on the Penrhyn Road campus. 

"Exceptional buildings have a transformative impact on students, staff and the wider community alike, providing an environment in which creativity, collaboration and shared learning truly flourish."

Principal Director of Grafton Architects, Shelley McNamara, added: "We imagined an architecture which would respect the needs of the existing riverside ecosystem as well as the spatial needs of the 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 so close to such a unique confluence of natural riches and possessing such an otherworldly atmosphere, which is so conducive to study, contemplation, discovery and social delight."

This marks a significant moment for the University, as they continue to create excellent facilities to support students and how they learn and help to attract the best creative talent to Kingston School of Art. 

Subject to the outcome of the planning application, the University will continue to work closely with Grafton Architects to refine detailed design work for the proposed building and ensure the local community, students and staff remain regularly updated as the project progresses. If given the go ahead, it is envisaged the building could be ready for use by 2030.

 Kingston Council is yet to make a decision on this application.

You can view the application here.