Kingston Council has released details about its transformation plan to build new homes, create new public spaces and boost the local economy.
As part of the transformation plan Kingston council have created the “Re-imagining New Malden” initiative in the hope of not only boosting the borough’s economy but helping improve life for the local community.
The plan includes the creation of an improved leisure centre, building new affordable housing, as well as a new town square and around 3500 square metres of commercial space. This is to all be built on the Cocks Crescent site in New Malden.
Leader of Kingston council Andreas Kirsch said: “These three projects are at the core of so much of what we aim to achieve for the borough and its residents.”
The council has confirmed work on nearly 350 new homes for the site, with around 35 per cent of these houses being classed as affordable. The announcement came at the same time as the council’s wider plans to provide 2,170 new homes on Cambridge Road Estate in Norbiton, with around 940 being classed as affordable.
Kirsch said: “There is such a critical need for more housing in the borough, especially affordable housing […] The fantastic Cambridge Road Estate regeneration scheme will do a great deal to address this, but it will do so much more.
“It will transform this part of Norbiton, making it safer, greener and more attractive for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The first initial phase of the plan will see over 450 new homes being built, with around 150 being used for social rent, and around 15 for shared ownership.
Plans for the new leisure centre await the Kingston Planning Committee’s decision to continue with the proposed plans to demolish the Kingfisher Leisure Centre so the new one can take its place.
Kirsch added: “The new community leisure centre in Kingston and the plans for the New Malden Cocks Crescent area will regenerate and revitalise two of our town centres at a time when the borough’s economy and its communities need it most.
“They will also provide accessible leisure facilities fit for the 21st Century so everyone has the chance to live happy, healthier lives.”
The council hopes to have the first phase of the plan underway by summer time.
