Richmond Council has granted retrospective planning permission for the conversion of the former Kingston University student halls at Kingston Bridge House in Hampton Wick into 22 flats and a 90-bed luxury hotel. The decision was made by the council's Planning Committee on Wednesday, October 14, despite work already being underway at the site.
The scheme, brought forward by developer Westcombe Group, includes four affordable homes, which will be delivered as shared ownership properties. This comes after independent assessors concluded that providing any affordable housing in the development would be unviable.
From student halls to luxury hotel
The building, which has been empty since 2020, was originally approved for conversion into 70 flats in 2023. In 2025, the developer submitted revised plans to instead create 22 flats and a 90-bed hotel, but withdrew that application after citing viability concerns.
A new application was submitted in February, this time proposing 22 flats with four affordable homes instead of the previously planned eight. The committee heard that most of the flats have already been built, with the hotel set to be operated by IHG Hotels and Resorts under its Hotel Indigo brand, including a bar and restaurant for guests.
Economic benefits and local concerns
Agent Richard Conroy from Total Planning told the committee that the scheme "makes productive use of an existing building in an accessible location, while improving its appearance and its relationship with Hampton Wick". He added that it would deliver jobs, public benefits, and an uplift in local spending, describing it as a "very high-end hotel".
Councillors praised the project for bringing the building back into use and for its economic advantages, including boosting tourism. However, some expressed disappointment over the reduced level of affordable housing.
Liberal Democrat Councillor John Coombs said: "It is unfortunate, given the amount of social housing that we need in this borough, that even some luxury housing we're being told is uneconomic to build." He added: "That is ridiculous, and developers have got to stop overpaying for land because that is what is this issue here."
Unanimous approval despite affordability concerns
Councillor Coombs also acknowledged that the building had been "derelict for far too long" and praised the overall scheme for delivering a good-quality hotel needed in the borough. The committee unanimously approved the plans at the meeting.
The approval secures the future of the site, which will now provide a mix of residential units and hotel accommodation, with the affordable homes being delivered as shared ownership.
