A major new neighbourhood featuring nearly 600 homes could soon transform a disused South London gasworks site that has been redundant for almost two decades.
From Industrial Past to Residential Future
Developer Berkeley Homes has formally submitted plans to Kingston and Merton councils to redevelop the historic gas holder site in Motspur Park. The proposal involves demolishing three iconic gasholders, which have dominated the local skyline since the 1920s, and constructing five new apartment blocks ranging from eight to 16 storeys tall.
The three gasholders, built in 1924, 1932, and 1954, were once crucial for gas storage but became obsolete with modern storage methods. They have stood unused since 2007 and were formally decommissioned by energy regulator Ofgem in 2012.
A Detailed Look at the Proposed Development
Out of the 586 homes planned for the site, a significant 174 will be designated as affordable housing. The development aims to create a comprehensive new community, featuring:
- A new public square
- Enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes
- 89 resident car parking spaces
- 1,035 long-stay cycle parking spaces
- 28 short-stay cycle parking spaces
Planning documents reveal the vision is to create "a new urban neighbourhood, set within a regenerative, natural landscape", combining contemporary apartment living with green spaces.
Navigating Planning Challenges and Community Benefits
The site presents a unique planning challenge as it's designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), which typically protects against inappropriate development. However, planners argue that as previously developed industrial land, the transformation is justified.
A key benefit highlighted in the application is that the scheme would open the site to the public for the first time in 100 years, creating a vital new pedestrian and cycle link between Motspur Park and Worcester Park.
Berkeley Homes has been working on the proposed regeneration since 2017 with site owner SGN, the gas supplier. Identical planning applications have been submitted to both Kingston and Merton councils as the site spans both boroughs, though most of it lies within Kingston. Both councils will now consider the applications before making a final decision.
