Council Unanimously Approves Plans for Kingswood Transformation
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Kingswood Regeneration Given Unanimous Approval
Plans to restore and transform the former Legal & General headquarters have been unanimously approved, paving the way for a new mixed-use community in the heart of Kingswood.
Specialist heritage developer, City & Country, will sensitively restore the historic site to create a new mixed-use community, featuring 86 apartments in the Grade II* Legal & General House, 19 in the locally listed St Monica’s House, and 72 new-build apartments, designed in partnership with Haworth Tompkins architecture studio.
The wider proposals also include 123 retirement homes, alongside a private members’ sports club and shared office space.
The site will include landscaping improvements and a new lake, which will allow for a thriving habitat for wildlife. The existing meadow will be retained, while a new children’s play area will be provided for the public to enjoy.
City & Country has worked closely with Historic England, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council officers and the Kingswood Residents’ Association committee in developing the plans for the site.
Work is expected to begin in 2027, with the first residents moving into their new homes and new community facilities opening from 2028.
Hannah Short, Senior Planning Manager at City & Country, said: “Unanimous approval is a fantastic endorsement of our vision for this landmark site and an incredibly exciting moment for City & Country and Kingswood.
“This is a rare opportunity to bring an underutilised but locally important site back to life, creating new homes and amenities while protecting the character and heritage that make it so special. The strong support we have received locally has been incredibly positive and reflects the care and ambition that has gone into shaping the scheme.
“We’re excited to move forward and realise our vision for a new community that Kingswood can be proud of.”
Chris Fellner, Director at Haworth Tompkins, said: “The most sustainable building is the one that already exists, and Kingswood is a great example of how creative thinking can give an extraordinary building a new purpose.
“Originally designed by Arup Architects in the late 1980s, our approach has been to build on its original vision and connection with the surrounding parkland, sensitively transforming the former offices into high-quality new homes while improving the thermal performance of the listed building.”
For further information about City & Country, please visit www.cityandcountry.co.uk.
