Kingston council and business improvement district Kingston First have appointed Arup to develop a new vision for its town centre.

The study will look at the opportunities and challenges facing Kingston town centre and will drive its future employment, cultural, education, business, transport and regeneration offer, which will contribute to a successful, vibrant and inclusive centre, supporting the delivery of growth in the borough over the next 15 years.

Working with Arup, the council in partnership with Kingston First will review options for the town centre, including how key sites can deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes that support the borough’s residents, businesses and visitors in years to come.

The future approach and direction will be developed with residents and other key town centre users including Transport for London, major landowners and local businesses. The findings of the study will then be developed into a strategy taking into consideration national trends in retailing, technological advances, and population growth.

Nazeya Hussain, executive director of place at Kingston Council, said: “I am committed to involving residents, major landholders and businesses as we embark on a major exercise to develop a vision for Kingston town centre. As the boroughs largest town centre, it will need to play a critical role in both accommodating growth, and play a strategic role in providing an economic, social, and cultural offer for the entire borough.”

Kirsten Henly, chief executive at Kingston First, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Kingston council to appoint the forward thinking, industry leader Arup to develop a vision for the future of Kingston town centre. At a time where consumer behaviours are changing, this vision is more important than ever before, it will provide a framework for the evolution of the town centre, ensuring Kingston remains a great place to work, live and visit for years to come.”

Joanna Rowelle, integrated city planning director at Arup, said: “This is a priority project for Kingston council and our team brings a range of multidisciplinary expertise to help them further develop their vision for Kingston town centre, creating a set of proposals that will form the basis for its long-term economic success. The town centre has a long history and lots of positive assets. We will work with the council and community to build on these existing strengths, while also identifying opportunities to deliver a vision for a thriving town centre that puts local people’s needs at its heart.”