Council's former HQ sold to luxury developer

Residents are expected to be able to move in from 2027

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

London Square has bought the former County Hall in Kingston from RER London at an undisclosed price, after it was listed earlier in the year.

The 5.2-acre site includes the main Grade II listed County Hall and a range of other buildings and courtyard areas.

Adam Lawrence, London Square’s chief executive, said: "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."

Construction boards surrounding the property say future residents can expect to move in from 2027.

Planning permission is already in place for 256 private flats, as well as 36 for affordable housing, and 47,447 sq ft (4,408sq m) of commercial space.

Refurbishment, restoration and extension will “transform” the historical site into a “premium development”, London Square said.

'Good deal'

The council came under fire in March about the sale of the site to RER London for £25m in 2021.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the site could be worth up to £250m when redeveloped.

At a council meeting in March, Natalie Bramhall, cabinet member for property, waste and infrastructure, said: "I actually think we secured a good deal and would again sell at that price."

She told the meeting the planning application costs would have been in excess of £1m and that to get to the full £250m they would have also needed to spend "hundreds of millions" on the site.