The former headquarters of Surrey County Council has been sold to luxury property developers, with permission granted for 292 new homes to be built on the site.

Abu Dhabi-owned London Square has bought the former County Hall in Kingston from RER London for an undisclosed price. The 5.2 acre site includes the main Grade II listed county hall and a range of other buildings and courtyard areas. Construction signs surrounding the listed property indicate that future residents can expect to move in from 2027.

London Square was bought by UAE-based Aldar Properties in December 2023 in an acquisition worth £230 million. Aldar is owned by the Abu Dhabi government and is the largest real estate developer in the emirate.

Planning permission for the former County Hall is already in place for 254 private apartments, including 36 for affordable housing and 4,408 m² of commercial space. The renovation, restoration and extension will “transform” the historic site into a “high-end development”, according to London Square.

Surrey County Council (SCC) came under fire in March over selling the land for £25 million in 2021. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the site could be worth up to £250 million a year. times redeveloped due to its scale and heritage.

The huge gap between the two figures led the county council to question whether it had gotten the best deal for residents. But senior property MP Natalie Bramhall said she got a “bargain” and would sell it for the same price.

County Hall’s striking distance from Hampton Court Palace, Royal Bushy Park, Wimbledon Tennis Club and the River Thames makes it an extremely attractive property, according to leading estate agents.

The former Surrey County Hall site is the developer’s ninth acquisition following the purchase of Westminster Tower, opposite Parliament. Prices start at £425,000 for an apartment in Twickenham Green, another property site, or £835,000 for a townhouse. London Square also has properties in Staines upon Thames, Walton upon Thames and Tadworth.

Adam Lawrence, Managing Director of London Square, said in a press release: “County Hall Kingston is an impressive landmark which has stood empty for many years. We are delighted to have been chosen to bring this beautiful building back to life.

“Once restored and transformed into elegant homes, County Hall Kingston will become a unique offering for those looking to make this sought-after royal neighborhood their home. »

Surrey County Council remained at County Hall in Kingston until December 2020, although the city became part of Greater London in 1965. In January 2021, the council’s headquarters moved to Woodhatch Place in Reigate.