New planning application submitted for former Kingston Hospital wing conversion
A new and updated application has been submitted for the conversion of the former Regent Wing at Kingston Hospital.
The new application seeks permission for the "Demolition of the Regent Wing at Kingston Hospital and erection of 3nos buildings with 150 residential apartments (Use Class C3), alongside associated communal amenity spaces, landscaping, provision of blue-badge car parking, cycle parking, play space, new means of pedestrian access and improvements to the site access from Coombe Road".
In an application document, developer Bywater highlights its proposed development's goals "in setting a new standard for sustainable design, social value, and meaningful place-making."
Bywater added it "will work with the architecture to embody the sustainability principles applied throughout the development which are low embodied carbon, use of timber and circular economy".
The site forms part of the former Kingston Hospital Grounds within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBKuT).
The proposed development includes the demolition of the Regent Wing, which historically served as the infirmary of the Kingston Workhouse.
The original building, dating from 1868, was designed by Charles Lock Luck FRIBA, a prominent Surbiton-based architect whose work contributes to the architectural and cultural heritage of the borough.
The Regent Wing is predominantly constructed of brick and lime mortar masonry, with structural façades and internal partition walls. Floors and roofs are timber-framed, with many areas subsequently reinforced using steel or concrete.
The façade is embellished with carved stone details, including window cills, corbel pieces, and quoins, which reflect Victorian craftsmanship and the decorative traditions of the period. Most windows and doors are either original or early replacements, preserving a tangible link to the building's 19thcentury origins.
Speaking about the materials it proposes to use for the development, Bywater said: "To align with the scheme's sustainable intentions, wherever possible materials recovered from the demolition of the Regent Wing and excavation of the site should be reused.
"This includes brick masonry and carved stone from Regent Wing, wood from felled trees and displaced London clay.
"Where it is not possible to reuse, recycled or responsibly sourced materials should be prioritised, ideally procured within a limited radius of the site."
The developer added: "The Applicant and their design team have identified three distinct areas where there is an opportunity to integrate art; the building, the landscape and public realm. The majority of the identified areas sit towards the south of the site where it is most visible and accessed.
"Any elements deeper within the site would be smaller opportunities that link the site such as wayfinding, paving or lighting."
However, Bywater previously wanted to build150 new homes across three blocks on the site, with a mix of one to three bedrooms, along with 260 cycle parking spaces, green space and a play area.
It previously wanted the development to be be 'car-free', except for designated Blue Badge spaces, and feature 50 new trees. It wanted to have facilities for residents on the ground floor, including co-working spaces, an indoor gym and a lounge.
The future of Regents Wing, on Coombe Road, has been hanging in the balance since it stopped being used by Kingston Hospital in 2021.
The Planning Inspectorate previously granted Advanced Living (Kingston) Limited's appeal to demolish the wing and build 128 new flats for elderly people, a wellness centre and restaurant in a block up to eight storeys tall in 2022. The plans included 43 parking spaces, but were never carried out.
Kingston Council is yet to make a decision on this application.
You can view the full application here.
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