The two-stage transformation of a “monolithic” 1970s South London leisure and retail complex on the banks of the River Thames is set to be completed by 2025, after the revamp plans were first put forward in 2010.
The second phase of works at Bishop’s Palace House, in Kingston, will see it transformed with better space for offices and restaurants or bars with “spectacular views” over the Thames.
Kingston Council previously granted planning permission for the extension and revamp of Bishop’s Palace House in 2010. It was decided the scheme, from Canadian and Riverside Estates, would be carried out in two stages to avoid affecting existing tenants.
The first phase of works, completed in 2014, included the conversion of the former car park into new riverside restaurants, and improved connections to Clarence Street.
The second stage of works, approved by the council in April this year, will see the upper parts of the complex remodelled and revamped.
The works include refurbishing the former Viper Rooms nightclub on the first floor for restaurant or bar space, which could be used by one large occupier or up to three smaller tenants, new outdoor terrace space overlooking the river and a new lift providing step-free access to the upper floors for the first time.
Upgrades to the service yard and back of house areas are also planned, along with new landscaping, cycle storage and lighting.
The works also involve changes to the roof, including converting the plant room into office space, access to a new roof terrace and new rooflights.
A statement submitted with the application described the complex as “monolithic”. It said: “The original 1970s building did little to acknowledge its unique riverside setting and the opportunities that this provides. Thus, the core requirement of the brief has always been to fully realise the potential of the site by creating a new mix of mainly hospitality use on the river’s edge to build upon Kingston’s popularity as a retail and leisure destination.”
It added: “The current proposals can be delivered with minimum disruption to the existing tenants and the riverside whilst providing the civic landmark that this setting deserves.
“This retro-fit approach to the building, utilising the existing structure rather than demolishing and starting anew, is a conscientious and sustainable approach to development.”
A Canadian and Riverside Estates spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it is “very excited” about the scheme to “remodel and refurbish the upper parts of Riverside Walk/Bishop’s Palace House and the benefits these improvements will bring to Kingston Riverside”.
The spokesperson said: “The addition of greatly upgraded office space, with all the modern amenities office occupiers now require, will provide the most fantastic workspace in a location unlike anything else available in South West London.
“For the new restaurant and bar units we will target the premium end of the food and beverage sector which we hope will cater to those locals and visitors who now spend more time in Kingston and would appreciate a more sophisticated destination in the town, that will help diversify the night-time economy.
“These works will deliver the completion of the upper parts of the property which will bring the vibrancy and bustle of the riverside vertically through the building and crucially will be visible from Kingston Bridge, something that the site currently lacks.
“The plans include a new lift tower and glazed lift which will enable better access to the office space and new bar/restaurants with their generous external rooftop terraces which will provide spectacular views of the river and bridge. The project is due to be completed by spring 2025.”
