Insights

When it came to providing new facilities for its sixth form, Kingston Grammar School took a novel
approach and considered commercial buildings which were on the market. They came across 100
London Road Kingston upon Thames and decided with some additional work, the building would
meet their needs. The building underwent fitting out with the additional works completed before the
start of the new term in September 202 when the sixth form made the premises its new home.

100 London Road, Kingston upon Thames

When Bonsors were instructed to let an office building close to its own practice in London Road,
little did the team realise it would turn out to be just what Kingston Grammar School (KGS) were
looking for to provide classrooms, study areas and facilities for its sixth form centre.
Earlier in 2024, KGS obtained planning consent for a temporary change in the use of the building
from offices to an educational facility.

As one of the largest office lettings in Kingston upon Thames in the last few years, Andrew Pollard,
Bonsors director, expected a high level of interest but hadn’t anticipated it would fulfil the needs of
the well-known independent co-educational school.

He said: “At first, I was rather surprised that a school would consider an office building for
educational uses but once we had spoken to the leadership team, it was apparent the space and
location of 100 London Road was perfect for the KGS sixth form. The school took a bold step in
thinking outside the box in its consideration of buildings which were already available for their use
without the development expense of expanding their own site. It has been a pleasure working with
them on what I consider to be an innovative approach and I hope other educational institutions will
see the value of providing additional space through alternative means.”

Bonsors’ background with the building

Bonsors has been involved with this building for more than 40 years when it was developed by local
developers Kingston Estates and let to Commercial Union. Subsequent lettings which Bonsors has
managed include in 2013 to Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). When that lease came to an end
recently, the owners of the building turned, once again, to Bonsors for help to find a new tenant.

About Kingston Grammar School

Founded in 1561 by Royal Charter, it is now an independent school for boys and girls aged from 11
to 18. The Royal Charter established the ‘free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth for the education,
training and instruction of boys and youths in grammar’ although it can trace its roots back to the
13 th century.

Aside from its academic success, KGS is ranked fifth for the number of sporting internationals to
have come from independent schools since 2000, and third for Olympians. The school also has a
proud tradition of theatre, art and music.

Location & Facilities

Providing approximately 20,685 sq ft (1,921.70 sqm) of office space, 100 London Road comprises a
ground floor including a reception area, with three further office floors above served by two lifts. To
the rear of the building, with access from Church Road, is a car park with 17 spaces. The building also
incorporates comfort cooling, suspended ceilings, skirting trunking and a landscaped area at the
front of the building with a feature sculpture of leaping salmon.

The imposing landmark building is located on the south side of the A308 London Road at its junction
with Albert Road, around a quarter-of-a-mile to the east of Kingston town centre and around 10
minutes’ walk to the railway station.

Final Word

Andrew added: “We are looking forward to seeing the completed works inside to reshape the
building for its purpose as a seat of learning. We hope the sixth formers enjoy their new home when
they move in this September and that it provides an excellent environment where they can learn,
study and, of course, relax. We are very proud to have played a small part in Kingston Grammar
School’s ongoing journey across the centuries.”

If your organisation is looking to expand its facilities or needs to find new premises, you can email
either Andrew Pollard on andrewp@bonsors.com or Tom Batey on thomasb@bonsors.com or call
them on 0208 546 0022.