Leafy Kingston Upon Thames on the banks of the River Thames, is one of the UK’s leading retail centres and arguably one of the strongest High Street shopping destinations within the M25 outside of Central London. One of only 6 Royal boroughs in England and Wales, and boasting culture and history aplenty, Kingston has become a very desirable commuter suburb, due to its lively restaurant and leisure scene, excellent schools, green spaces, riverside dining, Ancient Market Place and shopping opportunities.
Kingston recently ranked 4th in the important HDH Vitality Rankings 2022 showing that Kingston performs well across the board.
The Population
- Kingston has the second highest proportion of social grade ABC1 in outer London according to the ONS census of 2011. Median annual residents salaries are £35,167, above the London median of £31,766, and far above the median for England of £26,192 (ONS).
- Average house price in Kingston was £486,150, above the average for London of £483,830, and far above the average for England of £253,226 (ONS).
- Kingston is very popular with families, with attainment rates higher than the national average, and a higher proportion of schools rated Outstanding by OFSTED than the London average (25% for Kingston vs. 21% for London).
- The borough is also home to Kingston University, which has around 21,000 students and is particularly renowned for its Nursing, Fashion & Textiles and Design & Crafts courses. It has once again been named one of the top 50 institutions in the country in the latest Guardian University Guide league tables.
Transport
- Kingston has a strong range of options for travel and transport connections. Kingston is located close to the A3, M25 and M3. The regular train service to Waterloo takes 35 minutes, and 40 minutes to Victoria. There are more than 30 regular bus routes operating in Kingston. Heathrow airport is approximately 40 miles west, and Gatwick 17 miles south east, giving a diverse range of domestic and international flights.
Retail and Hospitality
- Kingston-upon-Thames is ranked as the top outer London venue (venuescore, 2017). It is the third largest shopping centre in greater London with an estimated 1.4 million sq. ft of retail space.
- As well as household names like John Lewis, Fenwicks, Marks & Spencer and Next, Kingston has a wealth of luxury and high street brands, from Apple and Reiss to Boots and Primark, and quirky independents are also scattered throughout the town, from an award-winning record store to family-owned jewellers.
- Kingston also has an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes and bars, including Browns, Franco Manca, Megans and popular independents Poor Boys and Incognito.
History, Arts and Culture
Kingston is known as the coronation site of as many as 7 Saxon Kings and the birthplace of England. Many relics remain from its rich history including London’s oldest bridge – Clattern Bridge, the Coronation Stone purportedly used in the coronation of Saxon Kings as well as a medieval bridge and undercroft.
With art and sculpture throughout the town centre, art galleries and the world class Rose Theatre, the arts are well represented in Kingston. It is also home to a lively music and performance scene, with big name performers visiting Banquet Records and Pryzm.
Potential
With major development projects already underway (see below), and several more going through planning including Surrey County Hall, Kingston has an even brighter future.
- Due to complete in early 2023 the Royal Exchange The site offers the opportunity to regenerate the town centre, bringing back into active use two ‘at risk’ Grade II listed buildings as part of a new mixed use hub for Kingston, with new homes, shops, restaurants, offices and community space, as well as over half an acre of landscaped public realm.
- The development planned to create the new Eden Campus in 2023/24 includes Unilever’s new global headquarters (bringing 2000 jobs to the town centre), 115 new homes, retail offer at ground level, car parking and new landscaping, bringing the historic Hogsmill River back to life.
- Kingston’s Riverside will see improvements from 2022, with the creation of a new affordable workspace for local businesses and a creative performance hub for young people, in part of the Ground and Basement floors of John Lewis. Over the next 10 years, the spaces will enable the creation of at least 500 new jobs across the local economy, by supporting the activities and growth of local businesses.
- Residents can look forward to state-of-the-art leisure and community facilities right in the heart of Kingston in 2024. The town’s new leisure complex includes 5-a-side rooftop football pitches, two swimming pools with spectator seating, a children’s splash deck and climbing wall, as well as flexible community spaces, a cafe and much more.
The BID
Kingston First Business Improvement District is a not-for-profit organisation, funded by and representing businesses in Kingston Town Centre, dedicated to creating a town where businesses can thrive and people want to be. We are democratically elected every 5 years, and have a Board comprised of representatives from different sectors in London.
- We listen to and work in partnership with Kingston’s businesses
- Representing them at a local and national level, and providing services which save them money and give them insight into the town centre for example free training and recycling and data on footfall & spend in the town centre
- Working to create an attractive and welcoming town centre through events and investment and improvements to public spaces. For example the renowned Christmas Market and lights, Sculpture trail, introducing planting and seating throughout the town centre, and working with landlords on empty units
- Managing a strong consumer facing brand – Kingston Upon Thames – that positions Kingston as a destination and promotes local businesses and what’s on offer in the town centre
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