The Vision
The redevelopment of Thames View House is not only an opportunity to replace an outdated, failing building with higher quality homes but also to completely transform the lives of local residents through the creation of a far more attractive living environment. It has a strong fit with our strategic objectives, self-delivering a wholly affordable housing scheme, social rented homes and community infrastructure, and it is named a priority scheme within our previous Corporate Plan The scheme is located within one of our priority areas for development and will also deliver new homes at a high level of sustainability.
The History
The existing building of a concrete block of flats was built in 1972 and situated in Thames Mead Estate. The block was previously owned by Elmbridge Borough Council and was transferred to Elmbridge Housing Trust. Since its completion the original building has been continually adapted to meet the needs of residents; however, it has reached the point where it is simply no longer fit for purpose. The site is located within Walton-on-Thames, an approximately a 10-minute walk from the town centre and close to our Case House office.
Updated Image June 2024 (South view)
Updated Image June 2024 (Park Ground View)
Updated Image June 2024 (East View)
East View of new of Laurelwood Place (formerly Thames View House)
South view of new of Laurelwood Place (formerly Thames View House)
Park Ground View of new of Laurelwood Place (formerly Thames View House)
Our Updates
Hill Partnerships were awarded the building contract in March 2022, works are targeted to start on site this summer and the building programme is planned to last 24 months, from start to finish.
We will deliver
The re-development will deliver a “fabric first” approach to make the building as thermally efficient as possible with energy-efficient heating system lowering the building's carbon emissions.
Photovoltaic panels on the flat roofs, will generate renewable energy onsite and 20% of parking spaces will have electrical vehicle charging with infrastructure to increase this proportion to 50% of spaces.
Biodiversity will be championed, through living roofs, bird and bat boxes and bee-friendly planting . A brand new preschool on the ground floor for our youngest residents. will be including replacing the existing school.
Currently we are on track for completion, towards the end of 2024, with mechanical and electrical elements of the build in progress.
Read our helpful FAQs
How many new homes will be there?
The scheme received planning consent in September 2020 for a 97-home development, made up of 45 affordable rented units, 30 Shared Ownership Units and 22 homes for private sale. Since then Home England grant funding has been obtained which has allowed the scheme to be 100% affordable.
The tenure mix will now be 45 social rent and 52 shared ownership. The shared ownership will be sold and marketed to local residents on our Sales site
Space on the ground floor will be set aside for Walton-on-Thames' youngest residents, with the long-established Thames View House Pre-School set to move into brand new premises within the building.
What is Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing is available to households who otherwise could not house themselves, for example, because they would struggle to afford the cost of housing in the open market, or they need a specific type of house which is not commonly available. It is provided outside the general market i.e. it is not a home bought privately or a home rented from a private landlord. It is therefore not available to households who can meet their own housing needs without Government support.
We do not operate our own allocations so, if you are in serious or urgent housing need you will have to contact your local authority. They will carry out a housing needs assessment and will advise you of your options.
What other benefits will the projects bring?
The scheme includes a community facility at ground floor level. It is intended to lease the new facility to Thamesview Pre-School, which currently operates from the community room in the existing building. A nearby largely disused garage block will be replaced to make way for additional surface parking, as part of these proposals. We will also be making financial contributions to the local park including the play equipment as well as contributions to the transport links.
What is Considerate Contractors Scheme?
As a member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), we approach being a “good neighbour” by taking comprehensive steps to manage our impact on the wider community. Engaging with stakeholders ensures robust health and safety practices are in place and adhered to, and take every opportunity to work with the local community on employment and training opportunities. We understand that some inconvenience may be caused to residents during the works, and we want to assure you that we will endeavour to keep this to an absolute minimum.
Our standard working hours on site will be:
- 8am to 6pm – Monday to Friday
- 8am to 1pm – Saturday
Occasionally it may be necessary to work outside of these hours. Wherever possible, we will notify neighbouring residents of these works. We will have a time restriction in place to minimise the number of deliveries to the site at peak school times.
If you have any queries or concerns, our Social Value and Community Team is available 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. The freephone telephone number is 0800 032 6760 or the team can be contacted by email [email protected]
Our partners
Principal Contractor
Hill Partnerships - We are an award-winning 5 star housebuilder, creating a range of beautiful and award-winning new homes across London and the South East.
Learn moreLocal Authority
Elmbridge Borough Council - We are a local authority that are responsible for services such as waste and recycling, housing, planning, green spaces and playgrounds.
Learn moreEmployer Agent
Calfordseaden - We are multi-disciplinary property and construction consultancy, with over 80 years of industry experience in the housing sector
Learn more
