Transform Kingston programme reaches major milestone as planning application for new leisure complex submitted

Residents are a major step closer to seeing a new community leisure facility in the heart of Kingston as Kingston Council gives the scheme committee approval and the planning application is submitted.

Place Committee (10 February) reaffirmed the council’s commitment to delivering the new community leisure facility on the site of the Kingfisher, as part of the Transform Kingston programme. The scheme sits at the heart of the council’s heritage-led regeneration plans to transform the town centre and drive recovery from the pandemic.

Leader of Kingston Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Andreas Kirsch said: 

“I’m incredibly proud that we have reached such a significant point in our Transform Kingston programme and our journey towards this fantastic new leisure facility. The submission of the planning application is a huge step forward in delivering the scheme. 

 

“We had more than 7,000 responses to our 3 phases of engagement on the proposals and I want to thank all of you who shared your views. Your valuable and insightful feedback has helped shape the final designs. 

 

“We are working with leading architects FaulknerBrowns to deliver a truly inclusive space, accessible for all, environmentally sustainable, and family and disabled friendly. It will also celebrate our borough’s rich heritage and history. The new complex will help revitalise our town centre, making it a prime place to visit for culture, entertainment and leisure as well as shopping.”

As Kingston looks to recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic, it has never been more important to develop the places and spaces that support everybody to be active. The council’s new indoor leisure facilities strategy sets out the need for a wide range of high-quality physical activity services and facilities across the borough. With this new leisure complex, the Council is bringing forward the first of several planned projects to deliver those ambitions. By doing so it will support residents to stay fit and healthy - both physically and mentally - bring people and communities together so residents can benefit from developing friends and networks, and ensure there are clear pathways to nurture and support talent. 

The planning application for the scheme will now be validated and will be live on the council’s planning portal in the next few weeks. It is anticipated it will go to Planning Committee in the Autumn where it will be subject to the usual robust decision-making process.

Watch Councillor Kirsch and members of our local community talk about what the new leisure facility will mean to them in the video below.

Published: 14th February 2022