The Royal Star and Garter has exchanged contracts for a new site to house its disabled ex-service residents.

The new site in Langley Avenue, Surbiton, is within a few miles of its current home in Richmond, and permission for a care home was granted in October 2009.

It will consist of a three-storey building with underground parking, and landscaped gardens, for 60 residents who will move from its Richmond site.

Work is under way on the internal design and it is hoped the residents will be able to move in at the start of 2013.

Royal Star and Garter’s chief executive Mike Barter said: "Surbiton is a thriving centre with good amenities and transport facilities, and the site is close to the river and the historic market town of Kingston, with its excellent range of shops, theatre, museum and other facilities for the residents to enjoy.

"While we will be very sad to leave Richmond, where we have many friends, the Langley Avenue site is only a short distance away, minimising inconvenience to the residents, their families, our staff and volunteers.

"It is very fitting that as a charity with a royal charter since 1979, our new London home should be located in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames."

Leader of the council, Councillor Derek Osbourne, said: "I am sure that everyone will feel a sense of pride that we will be the new home to this respected charity and its residents."

The Royal Star and Garter pulled out of a controversial joint scheme to develop land opposite Hampton Court Palace this summer leaving the project in jeopardy.