County Hall in Kingston Sold On for Undisclosed Price

Published on: 3 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 3 Nov, 2024

South Courtyard, Block D, of County Hall, the former Surrey County Council headquarters. Photo London Square

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporter

Surrey County Council’s former headquarters have been sold to luxury property developers, with permission granted for 292 new homes on the site.

London Square bought the former County Hall in Kingston from RER London at an undisclosed price. The 5.2 acre site comprises the main Grade-II listed County Hall and a range of other buildings and courtyard areas. Construction boards surrounding the listed property state that future residents can expect to move in from 2027.

An image of how the converted County Hall will look is displayed on the hoarding surrounding the site.

Planning permission is already in place for the former county council base to be converted into 254 private flats, with 36 for affordable housing and 4,408 square metres of commercial space. Refurbishment, restoration and extension will “transform” the historical site into a “premium development”, according to London Square.

Surrey County Council (SCC) came under fire in March about the sale of the land for £25 million in 2021. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the site could be worth up to £250 million when redeveloped due to its scale and heritage.

Cllr Natalie Bramhall

The huge gap between the two figures led to the county council being challenged on whether it got the best deal for residents. But the lead member for property, Natalie Bramhall (Con, Redhill West & Meadvale), said it secured a “good deal” and would sell it again at the same price.

The County Hall’s striking distance from Hampton Court Palace, Royal Bushy Park, Wimbledon Tennis Club and the River Thames makes it an immensely attractive property, according to prime estate agents.

The former Surrey County Hall site is the developer’s ninth acquisition following on from the purchase of Westminster Tower, opposite the Houses of Parliament. Prices start at £425,000 for an apartment in Twickenham Green, another property site, or £835,000 for a townhouse. London Square also owns properties in Staines upon Thames, Walton upon Thames and Tadworth.

Adam Lawrence, London Square’s Chief Executive, said in a press statement: “County Hall Kingston is an impressive landmark which has stood empty for many years. We are delighted to have been chosen to bring new life to this beautiful building. Once restored and converted into elegant homes, County Hall Kingston will become a unique offering for those looking to make this sought-after Royal borough their home.”

For 55 years Surrey County Council was in the very unusual position of having its headquarters outside the Surrey boundary which moved in 1965 when the Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames became part of Greater London.

SCC headquarters are now located at Woodhatch Place, south of Reigate.