Kingston University’s plans for a new building at Middle Mill building has faced opposition from locals.
The planning application proposes the building will feature new studio-based teaching spaces, lecture theatres, a cafeteria and specialist art equipment, on the Knights Park campus.
The project is under the eyes of the Grafton Architects, responsible for the University’s Town House building, which won ‘Britain’s best new building’ in 2021.
However, the local community based in Mill Street are pushing against the progression, citing the building’s height as potentially blocking sunlight.
Mill Street is a designated conservation area, housing a close community. Adrian Treloar, an activist located on Mill Street, was initially in favour of the proposed development.
Treloar recalled that he had been sent an email that initially outlined the Stanley Picker development as being a five-storey building, until he dug deeper into the consultation where he found that the final building would be closer to ten.
“That got me interested.”
His concerns snowballed when he realised his home, along with others in the designated conversation area had been dismissed by the daylight impact study.
“I realised that these issues don’t go away on their own, so I decided to take an active part.”
A primary worry for the Mill Street community is the appearance and scaling of the building.
Despite being proposed as a “five-storey” building, the structure would actually sit at almost double; at 30 metres tall.
For residents located in the Hogsmill community garden and surrounding areas, the height dramatically impairs the appeal and the character of the area.
“Everyone gets to look at a huge barn with gunslit windows.”
Treloar feared the view from Mill Street and surrounding streets, would be overcast by the skyline and extent of the building.
Whilst Treloar was accepting of the success in the townhouse development, he proposed that this current project to be negligent of its immediate surroundings, as described the description of a five storey as “dishonest”.
For residents, he argues, these differences raise broader questions about transparency and engagement.
Treloar says none of his immediate community received direct communication regarding the building plans despite the close proximity.
“I personally did not receive any leaflet or letter from the university, and neither did my immediate neighbours, which is terrible given that we live so close.”
For Treloar and the Hogsmill community, there is no hatred towards the development itself, rather the blindsiding of the proposed scale, and the transparency coming from the university.
“We are looking to the broader community to make their objections known to Kingston planning department. This huge and ugly building will be visible from a long way off,” added Treloar.
In response, a spokesperson to Kingston University said: “Kingston University is committed to maintaining positive relationships with our neighbours and the wider community and held an extensive consultation process ahead of submitting our planning application for the proposed new education building at Middle Mill.
“We remain fully committed to ongoing dialogue with our neighbours and believe our proposals will bring a number of benefits.”
