This is the vision for a renovated Victorian-era nurses' home in Surbiton.

Newlands, in Oak Hill, was left to rot by the NHS years ago. The theft of lead cladding from a section of the roof meant water simply poured in, destroying the timbers.

From Monday: Spooky old nurses' home in Surbiton to be brought back to life?

  • Scroll down to see inside the building

But last night residents were given a glimpse of how the tucked-away corner of Surbiton could look, with an additional three blocks built in traditional style.

The Oakhill health centre - itself now just a shell - was opened to show off the plans, which would see some 41 flats created in the leafy neighbourhood, served by underground parking.

Matthew Allchurch, of Teddington-based MAA Architects, said: "We started off with an analysis of the buildings in the area and there are some very nice Victorian villas.

"We picked up on a lot of the features in those buildings, such as gables and bays.

"By putting the parking underground it means you can landscape the street with lawns and new oak trees."

Surrey Comet:

Damage inside Newlands Nurses Home. Images courtesy of MAA Architects.

Neighbour Brian Young said he was concerned about parking provision for visitors, and the size of the buildings.

He said: "I think we're going to get a feeling like there's an enormous mass at the end of the road."

But he added: "I think the appearance of them is good."

Surrey Comet:

Newlands Nurses Home in Oak Hill. Image: Jon Sharman

Two of the new buildings will be erected on the medical centre site. The eyesore building is to be demolished - news that delighted residents.

The third will go up on the corner of Oak Hill and Oak Hill Road.

New site owner Daniel de Marsillac, of Glane Properties, said: "We want something that is long-lasting.

"Like Newlands it will stand the test of time. We think it is right to put some oaks back in Oak Hill."