This week Kingston Council is considering proposals for three initiatives that are at the core of so much of what we aim to achieve for the borough and its residents.

Together, the Cocks Crescent scheme in New Malden, the Cambridge Road Estate regeneration plans in Norbiton and the replacement of the old Kingfisher leisure centre with a brand-new leisure and community facility in Kingston’s town centre will help achieve our vision for heritage-led regeneration across the borough. These transformation plans promise hugely improved leisure facilities, more affordable homes and a boost for communities and their economies.

Councillors will consider the Cocks Crescent proposal which is at the heart of the council’s ‘Reimagining New Malden’ plans to regenerate this part of the borough. The proposals for this site behind New Malden High Street include a brand-new swimming pool and leisure centre to replace the ageing Malden Centre, nearly 350 new homes - with around 35 per cent being ‘affordable’ housing, a new town square and almost 3,500 square metres of new commercial space. I would like to emphasise that the Malden Centre will remain open until the new facility is completed, so residents can have uninterrupted access to a swimming pool and leisure centre.

At the same time, councillors will look to move regeneration of the Cambridge Road Estate a step closer. Alongside our development partner, Countryside, we are set to provide 2,170 new homes on the estate, including nearly 950 ‘affordable’ properties. Councillors will look at further details with the aim of the first phase of the project starting this summer. This initial stage will see more than 450 new homes built, including 150 for social rent and 15 for shared ownership.

There is such a critical need for more housing in the borough – especially ‘affordable’ housing. We currently have over 900 households living in temporary accommodation and around 3,700 on our housing register for social housing. That is why it is such great news that these schemes will do so much to address this vital issue.

This Is Local London: Cambridge Road EstateCambridge Road Estate

However, it is important to point out that the schemes will do so much more. The Cambridge Road Estate project will transform this part of Norbiton, making it safer, greener and more attractive for residents and visitors to enjoy. Equally, the Cocks Crescent scheme will breathe new economic, cultural and community life into the heart of New Malden. The same can be said for our plans to replace the Kingfisher Leisure Centre with a brand-new leisure complex.

This scheme is a major part of the council’s ‘Transform Kingston’ programme and sits at the heart of our heritage-led regeneration of the town centre. It is set to connect the new facility much more effectively with the neighbouring historic library and museum, with the aim of attracting more residents and visitors to come and experience Kingston’s unique history and culture.

Both schemes will regenerate and revitalise two of our town centres at a time when the borough’s economy and its communities need it most. They will also provide two new and inclusive leisure facilities fit for the 21st century so everyone has the chance to live happy, healthier lives.

The borough’s economic and community recovery following the pandemic requires us to take bold steps to provide the homes Kingston needs, the community facilities for everyone to enjoy and to help the economy to thrive. I am proud that the council is taking those bold steps with exciting projects such as these.