Following extensive community consultation, the residential development of the former NHS Barnes Hospital site has been unanimously approved for planning by the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Council. Designed for development manager LS Estates and applicant Star Land Realty UK Ltd, the scheme will deliver 107 much-needed new homes built to the government’s ‘future home standard’, and in line with the London Plan. The new housing will sit alongside new healthcare and education provision as part of a wider vision for a well-connected, integrated, and healthy neighbourhood for Barnes.  

Located on the boundary of the Mortlake Cemetery Conservation area, designs are respectful of the site's historic value and rich character, articulated through building form and materiality. Two ‘Buildings of Townscape Merit’ will be retained and refurbished and three new residential blocks, no more than four storeys in height, will be built to provide a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. 22% of the residential units will be affordable and 10% designed to accommodate accessibility requirements.

Driven by a commitment to tackle the climate change emergency, homes will be built to last, with no reliance on fossil fuels. Electric car charging facilities and ample bike parking will promote sustainable travel while helping to minimise an increase in traffic in the area. 

The landscape-led development will improve ecology and biodiversity by 81% through extensive urban greening, which includes the creation of new community grow gardens and the planting of 64 new trees. Feedback from councillors noted the quality of design and sustainability aspects of the scheme as particularly positive.

The development has helped generate much-needed funds for the Southwest and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust and has unlocked the wider regeneration of the brownfield site for the benefit of new and existing communities, now and in the future.

Construction is expected to start on-site in early 2025.