Derelict buildings at a Victorian waterworks in Hampton could be converted into 36 homes and offices.

The empty Karslake and Ruston and Ward buildings at Hampton Water Treatment Works would be restored and extended under the proposals.

The scheme from developer Waterfall Planning Ltd would see the conversion of the two Grade II listed buildings on Upper Sunbury Road. They formed part of the 1850s waterworks complex which is operated by Thames Water, but the company sold the buildings in 2017. They have been empty since 2019.

CGI of proposals for the Karslake and Ruston and Ward buildings, Hampton Water Treatment Works, Hampton. (Photo: Waterfall Planning Ltd/LOM Architecture & Design)

There would be two affordable homes on the development, out of the 36 proposed, which would have gardens and be available at social rent. The scheme also includes offices in the Ruston and Ward building for up to 40 people, which could be used as a co-working space for small business owners, and 39 car parking spaces.

A report submitted with the application said it would 'reconnect the waterworks buildings with Hampton village, bringing life back to a historic and prominent site that is currently derelict and empty'. It added the buildings have some areas of 'significant internal deterioration' which would get worse the longer they stay empty.

CGI of proposals for the Karslake and Ruston and Ward buildings, Hampton Water Treatment Works, Hampton. (Photo: Waterfall Planning Ltd/LOM Architecture & Design)

The report argued the council would need to take a 'balanced view' of the benefits of the scheme against the need to adapt the historic buildings to some extent to make it financially viable. The council rejected similar plans from Waterfall Planning Ltd for 37 homes, none of them proposed as affordable, and offices at the site in 2021. A report on the council's decision said in the 'absence of evidence to justify the failure to provide an adequate contribution of on-site affordable housing on what is a former employment site, there is an in principle objection to the loss of industrial land use'.

The design of the latest scheme is being developed in response to feedback from Historic England and the council's conservation officer. The proposed works would also require listed building consent to go ahead. Richmond Council will make a decision on the application in due course.