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Tuesday, 22 February 2022

Kingston Council has announced its intention to build homes on the site of the Guildhall and Cattle Market

The authority says more affordable housing is needed for key workers and young people who can’t afford to rent or buy in the borough.

There are over 900 households living in temporary accommodation and more than 3,700 on the Council’s social housing register.

The authority also says these “prime sites” could provide new commercial units for business and leisure services.

Leader of Kingston Council Andreas Kirsch said: 

“The Guildhall 1 and Guildhall 2 office buildings are dated, inefficient and are making  a significant contribution to the Council’s carbon footprint. They would require significant investment to retrofit and make them fit for purpose.   

“Even before the pandemic these offices were underutilised and now with working habits changing over the last 2 years this situation has increased. Similar to many organisations we are reviewing working arrangements and there is a huge opportunity to make more efficient use of our estate with long-term savings and benefits to the taxpayer."