Kingston residents are being asked what they would like to see as part of the town centre’s redevelopment.

The council has launched a survey to gather views from the local community around plans to transform the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Cattle Market car park, and Guildhall campus, including the Guildhall itself, where council meetings are usually held.

In December councillors voted to spend nearly a million pounds to look at redeveloping the town centre.

It comes after a decision in October to knock down and rebuild the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, which closed in 2019 due to problems with the roof.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic also meant the council feared it could no longer afford to look after the expensive Guildhall complex, and would not need to use it as much because more staff will be looking to work remotely in the longer term.

Kingston Council says its proposals for the Kingfisher will “deliver a brand-new, modern community leisure, well-being, and cultural destination.”

They have committed to building a swimming pool and teaching pool, but say they are keen to hear about other facilities people would like to see there.

Surrey Comet: Kingston Guildhall. Image: Stevekeiretsu

For the Guildhall campus, it has been suggested that the site could be redeveloped into new homes, workspace and even a new boutique hotel.

Cllr John Sweeney, Portfolio Holder for Business and Leisure, said:  “We want to hear from the whole community, as we embark on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, that seeks to celebrate our rich past, and reposition and diversify Kingston’s town centre, so it is ready to thrive in a post-COVID world.”

The survey will be open until April 25.

It will then be used to inform the council’s plans, before further consultations take place in the summer.

Visit https://kingstonletstalk.co.uk/transform-kingston to learn more and fill in the survey.