Recent News

Olympic Torch Visits Kingston

Kingston residents, shoppers and workers turned out in large numbers to greet the Olympic torch this morning. The torch arrived from Chessington at about 9am; at the College Roundabout it turned towards the marketplace and passed through the town centre before heading on to Richmond & Ealing.!!!!!

(24Jul12)

Bonsors Go Green!

Bonsors have acquired an electric bike to use as a means of transport to local property viewings and inspections.

Director Andrew Pollard said 'In this Olympic year when the cycle road races will be coming through Kingston we decided that an electric bike would be a good way of helping to ease congestion, reduce our carbon footprint and save money on fuel and parking charges. It’s probably as quick to use the bike rather than drive to local appointments in our cars.'

(26Mar12)

Olympic Torch Route Announced

The London 2012 Organising Committee, LOCOG, have announced the Olympic Torch route. This will pass through Kingston twice, firstly via road on Tuesday 24th July and then via the River on Friday 27th July. Highlights of the visit by road are:

• Departs Hook Centre, Chessington at 8.22am;
• Travel through centre of Surbiton to Penrhyn Road then past Kingston University, Surrey County Hall and Kingston College;
• At College Roundabout the Torch will turn left onto Kingston Hall Road and then right on to High Street, passing the Rose Theatre and Kingston Guildhall;
• The Torch will then travel through the Market Place and Church Street to Clarence Street before joining the one-way system and heading out of the Kingston town centre along Richmond Road;
• The Torch will be handed over to Richmond at approximately 9.45am near the junction with Tudor Drive.

LOCOG - Olympic Torch Relay

(26Mar12)

Water Saving Tips for Business

22nd March is World Water Day. With the South East of England and parts of East Anglia officially in drought, now is the time to find out how your business can save water and cut costs.

The Rippleffect is a free support package from WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), a not-for-profit company backed by government funding, that will help you understand how much water your business is using, what it is costing you, and how to adopt simple measures that will save water and money.

(07Mar12)

Why Kingston is London's Happiest Place

Kingston's pubs, shops and restaurants have been hailed after helping the town to be voted as the happiest place to live in London.

A survey by estate agents Rightmove based its findings on the standard of local amenities as well as how much they enjoy living in their homes.

Ros Morgan, Chief Executive of Kingstonfirst, said: "We are delighted that this survey has confirmed what we already knew – Kingston is a great place to live and work.

"The Town Centre business community can take great pride in these results. Kingston offers the ultimate shopping experience, with 500 town centre stores combining a host of big name retailers combined with an unrivalled selection of independent stores.

"It is no surprise that people enjoy living here with such great attractions on their doorstep such as one of the most attractive parts of the River Thames, Hampton Court, the Rose Theatre and the Ancient Market Place."

Some 2,700 respondents were questioned about everything from how friendly their neighbours are to how safe they feel.

Miles Shipside, commercial director of Rightmove, said: "Kingston has lots of open space, good pubs, shops and restaurants."

The town experience is set to be boosted further with Kingston having just been awarded more than £2m of additional funding thanks to second round of the Mayor’s Outer London Fund.

Kingstonfirst News, 06Mar12

Sale of 35,000 sq ft Office Building

Kingston commercial agents acting on behalf of Aberdeen Asset Management, on behalf of a Council Pension Fund, have sold Drapers Court in Kingston, a 35,000 sq ft office building to Kingston College.
Kingston College is a major provider for further, higher and adult education in Kingston-upon-Thames. Situated in a thriving town centre, the College offers both academic and vocational courses from Levels 1 to 6 and provides students with a friendly, stimulating environment for study. From over 11,000 current students more than 600 take up places each year.

For further information then contact Tim Gauld.

Cheer for Kingston in High Street Report

Kingston is continuing to buck the national trend of struggling high streets according to new findings.

The End of Year Vacancy report by the Local Data Company says Kingston is the best performing centre in the London region, along with Camden, with vacancy rates of less than 10 percent.

This follows on figures showing footfall increasing in the area covered by Kingstonfirst, the Business Improvement District of Kingston Town Centre, at a time when many Town Centres are struggling due to the economic slump and competition from the Internet.

Several new stores have recently invested in Kingston Town Centre including major brands such as Jack Wills, Kuoni, Office and Hollister and newer companies such as Kooples and Seriously Sofas. River Island are developing a major new store and Primark have applied for planning permission to double their floor space.

Kingstonfirst News, 06Mar12

2011

Seasons Greetings!

A Merry Christmas to our clients, fellow agents & colleagues in the property industry.

This year we supported the excellent work of the Princess Alice Hospice.

New Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Requirements

With effect from 1st July 2011, all properties offered for sale or lease must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

The EPC must be available within 7 days of the property being marketed. From the 31st October the EPC must be included with the property particulars.

For further information or to request an EPC then contact Bonsors.

New ‘Red Book Valuation’ Requirements

Effective 30th April 2011, all Valuers carrying out ‘Red Book Valuations’ must be registered under the RICS Valuer Registration Scheme (VRS).

A ‘Red Book Valuation’ is required for secured loans, financial reporting, investment portfolio performance and takeovers or mergers. The scheme applies to valuations for commercial and residential land and buildings, business assets and plant and machinery. Red Book Valuations include purchase reports (e.g. Homebuyers reports) or where they may be used and relied on by third parties. RICS Registered Valuers are recognised by banks, building societies, mortgage providers and other funders. The accreditation provides a badge of integrity and competence. RICS Registered Valuers are the best regulated, qualified and experienced professionals within the field.

For further information or to request a valuation then contact Andrew Pollard, our RICS Registered Valuer.

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