Two former PC World and Sports Direct stores in Kingston, UK, have been earmarked for redevelopment into a co-living scheme.
The mixed-use, residential-led scheme, the first of its kind in the town, represents a joint venture between London-based property investor Viewranks Estates and Assael Architecture, a firm which has already designed rental homes for L&G, Essential Living and The Collective.
The new co-living scheme, dubbed Nineyards Living, will comprise 200 rooms for rent with an array of shared amenities. Located in Kingston town centre, its design draws on the site's history as a cinema and public forum with an art deco-inspired theme and the reprovision of a community hub for residents and the wider public.
If successful, its development will spark further, similar projects, according to Richard Beim, managing director of Viewranks Estates.
'We’re delighted that our first and flagship development for Nineyards Living has been given the green light,' Beim said. 'Our company invests in high growth areas of London, and Kingston is the first of three sites where we are looking to deliver high-quality co-living accommodation.'
As well as the co-working base, the scheme will include a ‘field-to-fork’ restaurant, gym and yoga studio, screening room, lounge and large catering kitchen. The scheme is targeting a Breeam Excellent rating, with features such as the collection of heat from waste shower water back into the building.
Tim Chapman-Cavanagh, director at Assael Architecture and former Kingston resident of 15 years, said: 'Up and down the country, we’re seeing the decline of the traditional high street, and although we designed Nineyards pre-Covid, the past seven months have only accelerated this trend. The design principles for Nineyards Kingston are therefore more relevant than ever.
'Building on our experience in the design of other co-living developments and our expertise in build to rent, we’ve ensured that the internal configuration is functional and efficient to operate for Nineyards, while also providing high-quality and community-focused spaces for future residents.'
'We have found the Kingston authorities to be forward-looking in recognising the need for the town to adapt to a less retail and consumption-led economy and have been supportive to projects that provide greater social value with a more sustainable design,' concluded Beim.
