On the 4th April 2007 the Charity announced it has joined forces with Gladedale (Southeast) Limited and Network Rail and hopes to build the new South West London Royal Star & Garter Home on the Hampton Court Station site by Hampton Court Bridge next to the River Thames.
The site is ideal for the new home as it encompasses excellent transport links and proximity to amenities such as shops and restaurants, with access to a riverside park and river walks for the disabled residents to enjoy. It is also in a very desirable area and borders the Borough of Richmond, which has been the Charity’s home for over 90 years, ensuring links with local volunteers and organisations can be maintained.
The proposed development by Gladedale will include the refurbishment of the Hampton Court station building, housing, a hotel and a riverside terrace. Underground car parking will be available with direct access to the new Royal Star & Garter Home and there will be a new transport interchange, including taxi rank and bus stops, and safer pedestrian and cycle links.
Chief Executive of The Royal Star & Garter, Lynn McDougall, said “This site is perfect for us and would enable our new home to remain in the local area, ensuring the continuation of our traditions and history, and links with the local community. We are working closely with the architects to ensure the plans for the new home fulfil everything we desire for our residents.”
Interestingly, when the Richmond Star & Garter Home was first planned back in 1916, Sir Frederick Treves, Surgeon General to King George V and leader of the Home’s House Committee, stated that he hoped the new Home for disabled Servicemen returning from the battlegrounds of the First World War would be “a Hampton Court Palace for disabled soldiers.”
Were he here in the 21st Century, it is certain that Sir Frederick would approve of the chosen site at Hampton Court.
A planning application for the redevelopment of the Hampton Court Station site was submitted to Elmbridge Council in early November 2007. The proposals follow over two years of consultation with local groups and other interested parties. Further details of the plans can be found at www.hamptoncourtstation.co.uk. It is hoped that a new South West London Royal Star & Garter Home in Hampton Court will be operational in 2010, however this timescale is of course dependent on the planning application process.
If you would like to know more about the Charity's new homes, please contact us by email:newhomes@starandgarter.org