A massive overhaul of Kingston town centre has been revealed in plans that will guide companies hoping to snap up lucrative chunks of the area.

Redevelopment in Eden Quarter could see up to 1,200 new homes and a new "flagship" department store around a largely pedestrianised Eden Street, plus a public square, pictured above.

Surrey Comet:

Extra pedestrian space is proposed for Eden Street. Picture: GVA and Morrison Urban Practitioners

A new report also suggests creating 50,000 sq m of new retail floor space and a one-way bus system to reduce congestion.

Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis said new homes would "humanise" the area.

He said: "It's about enhancing the town and making what's become a pretty shabby part of town something we can be proud of."

"It will change the culture and make a big impact on the way people see Kingston.

"If we, the residents of Kingston, dominate the town rather than the nightclubs, I think we would find the place would be a lot more peaceful."

Previous plans to revamp the area seven years ago came to nothing after a deal with developer Hammerson fell through. But they have since sold up and left Kingston, in favour of Croydon.

Deputy opposition leader Stephen Brister said: "We want to see the town centre redeveloped. There are parts of it which are really in need of it.

"I have no problem with being ambitious. The devil is always, with planning, in the detail."

Surrey Comet:

Eden Street, looking towards Old London Road. Picture: GVA and Morrison Urban Practitioners

The 102-page draft document, by strategists GVA and Morrison Urban Practitioners, was commissioned in June to guide the council's negotiations with developers.

Over the last year a number of companies have discussed "major regeneration proposals" with officers, and the authority hopes to avoid piecemeal development.

Officers say Kingston should expand its appeal beyond shopping, and admit if nothing were done it would "fall back in what is a very competitive market in the economy of London and the south east."

Their report to councillors, due to be debated next week, added: "To remain competitive, the town centre has to accommodate development and enhance its overall offer."

Jennifer Butterworth, from the Kingston Society, said: "We're glad that they're thinking about the quarter as a whole.

"As a non-driver I'm quite pleased at all the buses going through Eden Street, but I accept that's bad for pollution and it's an accident blackspot, and therefore probably this is an improvement."

Banquet Records manager Jon Tolley said: "I think it's weird Eden Street isn't pedestrianised. They could do something on Wheatfield Way, that's a wide road."

Independent shops like Banquet would adapt to new developments as they came along, he said. He added: "Whatever will be, will be."

Surrey Comet:

Suggested distribution of new homes on upper floors, in blue. Picture: GVA and Morrison Urban Practitioners

The Cattle Market car park could also be cleared for development, with Kingston Council reportedly "willing to consider" a new building - which could include a hotel, offices and homes.

Pedestrianisation could extend from St James' Road in the west to Old London Road in the north-east, which planners admit is currently "cut off" from shoppers on foot.

There are also plans for revamping Eden Walk, and the creation of a new Eden Square, with benches and trees, near Maplins and the Hippodrome.

  • Councillors will discuss the report at a meeting next Thursday, October 23, at 7.30pm at the Guildhall.

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