Hampton property is set to gain 36 homes and offices after Richmond Council approved plans to restore the Victorian waterworks buildings on Station Road. The Karslake and Ruston and Ward buildings, vacant since 2026, will be converted and extended rather than demolished.
The approval ends more than six years of uncertainty over the derelict Hampton Water Treatment Works site.
From decay to development
The site has been empty since Thames Water ceased operations there in 2026.
The Karslake building dates from the 1880s, while the Ruston and Ward structure was added in the early 20th century. Both have fallen into disrepair during their years of vacancy. The approved scheme by Waterfall Planning Ltd will restore the original Victorian facades while extending the buildings upward and to the rear. The development includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats alongside workspace units, addressing both the borough’s housing needs and employment space requirements. Planning officers noted the buildings had been deteriorating and required intervention to prevent further damage.
The restoration approach preserves Hampton's industrial heritage while bringing long-vacant buildings back into productive use.
What the scheme includes
The development comprises 36 residential units and commercial space.
The homes will be spread across both restored buildings, with extensions designed by LOM Architecture & Design to blend with the original Victorian character. The commercial element retains the site’s working function, though in office form rather than water treatment. Parking provision has been included on site, with pedestrian access improved from Station Road. The scheme required approval from Richmond Council’s planning committee due to the scale of conversion and the heritage significance of the buildings. Officers recommended approval based on the restoration approach and the contribution to housing supply.
The mix of residential and commercial use reflects current planning policy that favours mixed-use development near transport links.
What this means for you
If you live near the Hampton Water Treatment Works site on Station Road, expect construction activity once work begins, though detailed timings have not yet been announced. The development will bring new neighbours to the area and increased use of local services and transport. For those watching the Hampton housing market, the scheme adds to supply in a location with strong transport links. The restoration approach sets a useful precedent for how the borough handles conversion of Victorian industrial buildings, favouring retention and adaptation over demolition. You can view the full planning application and conditions on Richmond Council’s planning portal by searching for the Hampton Water Treatment Works site.
The approval secures the future of two Victorian buildings that might otherwise have continued to decay. Hampton gains homes and workspace in structures that contribute to the area’s industrial character.
Frequently asked questions
When will work start on the Hampton waterworks site?
- Richmond Council has approved the planning application, but the developer has not yet announced a construction start date. Building work typically begins several months after planning permission is granted, once detailed designs and contractors are finalised.
Will any of the homes be affordable housing?
- The approved scheme includes affordable housing as required by council policy for developments of this size. The exact number and tenure mix are set out in the planning conditions and section 106 agreement attached to the permission.
What will happen to the Victorian buildings during construction?
- The scheme requires the original facades and key structural elements of both the Karslake and Ruston and Ward buildings to be retained and restored. Extensions will be added behind and above the historic frontages rather than replacing them.
Can I still view the planning application details?
- Yes, the full application including drawings, reports and the decision notice is available on Richmond Council’s online planning register. Search for Hampton Water Treatment Works or use the site address on Station Road to locate the documents.
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