Roehampton Regeneration Package Approved

Allowing regeneration of three key sites in Roehampton town centre

The combined investment package would create 134 new homes and bring two derelict buildings on Roehampton High Street back into use.

The proposal has been developed by St James’ Group Ltd and includes three separate planning applications, one conservation area consent application and one listed building consent application. The projects are linked through a shared section 106 agreement.

The main element of the scheme involves the construction of three residential blocks on the Arton Wilson Estate, Roehampton Lane to provide 91 new flats. Another 43 houses would be built to the rear of the site set around a traditional town square.

The development would include 158 car parking spaces including 70 underground bays. The estate is currently occupied by outdated student accommodation blocks and a disused tennis court.

The scheme also includes the regeneration of the Grade II Listed Kings Head, Roehampton High Street which has stood vacant for more than five years.  This 17th Century landmark would be renovated and brought back into use as a public house.

Another derelict property, 5 Roehampton High Street, would also be regenerated as part of the project.  Plans for this site involve demolishing the rundown block and replacing it with a three-storey residential building providing three flats for social rent.

The council has also secured a contribution of £100,000 from the developer towards improving local bus services and a further £195,000 for environmental works and upgrades to local transport infrastructure.

Planning application committee chairman Cllr Nick Cuff said:
“This scheme represents a big step forward for the regeneration of Roehampton. Bringing two derelict buildings back into use would remove a serious blight from the high street and give the area a real lift. Local people will be particularly pleased to hear the plans for the Kings Head which is one of Roehampton’s most distinctive buildings and has been boarded up for far too long.

He continued:
“Creating a smarter high street, free from neglected buildings is essential to the area’s growth. We will continue to work closely with local investors to ensure new developments deliver valuable and conspicuous improvements to the town centre and make Roehampton a more attractive and pleasant place to live.”

The proposals were approved by the planning applications committee on Tuesday 12 October.