New proposals have been submitted for Between the Bridge's revamp of Kingston's Ancient Market Place.

Between the Bridges took over management of the market back in April 2025 and submitted its initial proposals for its revamp in September.

The company's initial proposals aimed to modernise the roughly 855-year-old market, in Kingston town centre, following public feedback.

The market is currently home to 28 permanent stalls and open every day from 10am to 5pm.

The original plans included installing new market stalls and kiosks to modernise trading facilities, along with moving the existing statue away from the centre to the edge of Market Square to open up the space.

CGI of the proposed outdoor seating and kiosks (Image provided in Kingston Council planning application documents)

This would create a central piazza which could host farmers' markets, concerts, seasonal fairs and festivals, while a roof terrace with seating overlooking the square was also proposed.

The company wants to build a new public toilet block underneath the central piazza and introduce more waste storage facilities at the market. It also plans to revamp the Grade II* listed Market House, which has been mostly empty for the last few years, with a new restaurant or café and indoor seating.

The new proposals, which are being referred to as stage 2 of the revamp, also include using the ground floor of the Ancient Market House as a restaurant or café.

CGI of the proposed restaurant/cafe on the ground floor of the Ancient Market House (Image provided in Kingston Council planning application documents)

Between the Bridges is also seeking permission for the "Reconfiguration of existing east facing windows [in the Ancient Market House], and the insertion of a new door to the west elevation".

The planning application's overall description adds: "Removal of the stall holders WC, door and associated opening , removal of a non original staircase and railings. Installation of a new lift and staircase within the south west wing. Replacement of the existing market stalls and fixed market structure within Market Place with new permanent market stalls.

"Flexible use of the Market Place for temporary market stall provision enabling a programme of pop up and themed markets. Use of the existing basement beneath market square to provide storage, bin stores, recycling facilities and ancillary spaces associated with the operation of Kingston Market.

"Installation of a new scissor lift from ground floor to basement level within the square with safety railings at ground floor level. Dedicated external seating areas in association with the Market stalls and Market House. Relocation and retention of the Shrubsole Monument within Market Place."

The application seeks consent for a coordinated package of heritage-led improvements comprising:

• The replacement of the existing permanent fixed market stalls within Market Place.
• The use of Market Place for temporary markets operating on Saturdays and Sundays.
• The relocation of the Shrubsole Monument within Market Square.
• The provision of flexible cultural and entertainment space within Market Place; and
• The refurbishment and change of use of the listed Market House to provide a mixed-use destination incorporating restaurant, café, bar, cultural and events uses.

A planning application document said: "The proposals have been developed to secure the long-term viable use of the listed Market House and to enhance the function, legibility and animation of Market Place, while preserving and enhancing the significance of designated heritage assets and their setting."

The proposals also include a potential ice-skating rink.

CGI of proposed rooftop terrace (Image provided in Kingston Council planning application documents)

The full planning application can be viewed here.

Moreover, Between the Bridges recently submitted licensing applications for both the Market House and Market Place, seeking permission to extend their licenses for serving ate night refreshments, including alcohol, and hosting live music performances, into the late evening.

The Market Place intends to stay open until 11pm, whilst Market House has applied for a maximum closing time of 1.30am.

The Market House also wishes to have a licence for indoor music performances, with the Market Place applying to maintain its outdoor licence.

Additionally, the Market Place has made a further application to show outdoor films on the premises.

Kingston Council will discuss these applications on Tuesday, 24 February.