St George submits plans for 380-home redevelopment within Kingston's Eden Quarter

The 1.1 hectare site to the south east of the town centre is within the Eden Quarter, an area which forms a key part of the Borough's regeneration plans.

St George has proposed to retain and refurbish the vacant Grade II-listed Old Post Office and Telephone Exchange buildings under the plans. Shops and restaurants have been proposed at ground and mezzanine levels, with office accommodation within the basement of the Old Post Office and the upper two floors of the Telephone Exchange. Community and leisure space would also be provided within the Old Post Office building.

The existing Argyll House and Brook House office buildings and existing car parks would be demolished and cleared under the scheme to make way for a series of new buildings ranging from four storeys to 21 storeys in height.

The new buildings would contain a mix of uses, including offices, shops, restaurants and either 364 homes or 380 homes, depending on whether the existing Frances House residential building is included in the redevelopment.

A two level car park with between 113 and 132 spaces for residents' use has been proposed at the base of the development. The scheme also includes new public spaces around the Old Post Office building and in front of the Telephone Exchange, an avenue of trees along Brook Street and two central shared courtyards for residents.

According to the planning statement submitted with the application, the proposals "are intended to create a distinctive aspirational lifestyle quarter", including "a cluster of restaurants focused around a pedestrianised area".

The planning statement said St George hoped "to create a new distinct destination which complements existing and planned development in the town centre, bringing together new shops, restaurants, offices and homes around retained historic buildings".