Richmond Council has approved plans to transform derelict Victorian waterworks buildings in Hampton into 36 homes and offices, ending more than six years of vacancy. The scheme, from developer Waterfall Planning Ltd, will restore and extend the Karslake and Ruston and Ward buildings at Hampton Water Treatment Works on Upper Sunbury Road.
Council leader criticises developer over decay
Lib Dem council leader Gareth Roberts endorsed the proposal at a planning meeting on July 15, speaking on behalf of Hampton's councillors. He warned that urgent action was needed, accusing the developer of leaving the buildings to “rot” after the council rejected previous plans due to a lack of affordable housing.
Councillor Roberts said: “This has caused immense distress to the people neighbouring the property... they've had to put up with falling glass in their front garden, they've had to put up with general dilapidation of the property next to them.” He called for approval so neighbours “no longer have to put up with this absolute eyesore on their doorstep, and the residents of Hampton no longer have to run the risk of losing a significant heritage asset.”
Revised scheme includes affordable homes
The two Grade II listed buildings will be converted into 36 flats, including two social homes, plus offices or co-working space for up to 40 people. This revised plan follows the council's 2021 rejection of a previous proposal to create 37 homes with no affordable housing and offices.
Karen Jones, planning consultant for the project, said the revised scheme creates “a legacy for both existing and future residents, seeking to achieve the highest possible level of compliance with planning policy... while balancing this against the need to preserve as much of the site's historic fabric as possible.” She added that the development would deliver “significant and lasting public benefits,” including the restoration of the listed buildings to secure their long-term future.
Historical context and timeline
The buildings were part of the 1850s waterworks complex operated by Thames Water until the company sold them in 2017. They have been empty since 2019. Planning documents stated: “The proposal reconnects the Waterworks buildings with Hampton village, bringing life back to a historic and prominent site that is currently derelict and empty.”
