Kingston’s largest music venue is at risk of being knocked down to make room for new homes and shops.

The Hippodrome, in St James’s Road, attracts some of the largest and biggest names around to perform and has done so for the last 20 years.

Salmon Harvester Properties, working with Darling Associates architects, are hoping to redevelop the Surrey House site, Eden street and the music venue into new homes, shops and public space.

Lib Dem councillor and owner of Banquet Records, which hosts the popular New Slang night at the Hippodrome, Jon Tolley said: “At present, there is only one large venue which can accommodate bands and put on gigs for people of all ages.

“I have seen the plans and I know that it’s a big site - you can see why the landowners want to redevelop it and by no means is the Hippodrome the perfect venue but the main case is where will these bands play, where will we see the live music.”

Ed Sheeran, Tine Tempah, Vampire Weekend and Frank Turner – who was first to play at New Slang – are among the 1,000 bands to have graced the Hippodrome’s stage as part of New Slang.

The evolving proposals include the area to be turned two floors of retail with around 270 new homes, with a mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom homes – including affordable housing.

A private communal garden is also featured in the proposed plans to provide public space and ‘new attractive destination in the town centre’ for residents and visitors.

Mr Tolley said: “At the time of typing, this week’s number one artist played there last week. The previous week’s number one artist played there the week before. Of course it’s not all about chart toppers but I think it’s important to show that The Hippodrome isn’t just about bands you haven’t heard of for teenagers you want to avoid.

“It’s a venue which puts on gigs for people of all ages, and that can range from 1500 kids queueing to see Shawn Mendes, to average-age-on-the-scanner-of-45 when The Charlatans played last month.”

Mr Tolley added: “Nearly all the gigs and concerts that happen in the borough happen despite the council, we have never received money from any public body to put on a gig.

“My main frustration is how little the council administration seems to care about live music venues and we need to show the council of the importance and size of the events going on right under their noses, and another to try and encourage a desire to preserve it – even if this is by providing another venue.”

Nick Webb, asset manager at Salmon Harvester Properties, said: “We are very excited about our plans to transform the Surrey House site and replace the existing unattractive buildings and unwelcoming public environment with much needed new homes, high quality retail space and a new public area.

“We have worked hard to ensure our designs respond to the new neighbouring context and unique heritage of the town centre.”

Salmon Harvester is hosting a public exhibition to review the redevelopment proposals, at Surrey House, on July 6 and July 8.

“We hope local residents will be able to visit our exhibition to find out more about the evolving plans for the site and give us their views,” added Mr Webb.

A council spokesperson said: "The Council is in discussions with the owners regarding a proposal for the redevelopment of the area which includes the Hippodrome.

“Formal proposals have not yet been submitted and the Council understands that the land owner intends consulting the public on their proposals shortly, prior to deciding their next steps."