The Elmbridge Borough Planning Committee has granted approval for plans to redevelop the Molesey Venture Centre on Orchard Lane. The plans, submitted by Lifestyle Residences alongside charity partners The Sons of Divine Providence, and designed by Assael Architecture, will transform the site into a high-quality later living residential community, delivering much-needed new ‘downsizer’ homes for the area.
The Sons of Divine Providence acquired the land in East Molesey in 1968 to create accommodation and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and over the years, the site’s uses evolved, but declining demand led to the closure of its most recent facilities in 2020. The redevelopment of this site marks the second joint venture between the charity and Lifestyle Residences, who previously partnered on a scheme in nearby Hampton Wick, to ensure the future uses align with the evolving needs of the community.
The approved plans include the construction of three high-quality, sustainable buildings providing 70 apartments, including 20 affordable homes, and four townhouses alongside extensive landscaping.
The later living accommodation will provide a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes across two buildings, designed specifically for downsizing older adults seeking convenient, lower-maintenance homes with on-site amenities. The third building provides 20 one- and two-bedroom apartments which comprise the affordable re-provision of the charity accommodation. By diversifying the local housing mix, the development aims to help free up larger, under-occupied homes for growing families while enabling older residents to remain in the community. Future residents will contribute to the local economy, boosting activity on East Molesey’s high street, whilst also activating a currently under-used site adjacent to the river, public footpath and green belt land.
Assael’s design balances a suburban, domestic aesthetic with contemporary elements. The development consists of three distinct buildings unified by a cohesive architectural language, featuring mansard roofs, stone banding, domestic-scale window proportions, and slate roofing with dormers. Materials have been carefully considered based on an in-depth analysis of the existing streetscape. The building which fronts the new development has been designed with rendered finishes, gable features, and a lower scale to blend seamlessly with the surrounding street scene. The remaining buildings are clad in buff brick with earthy clay tones, chosen for their light, varied colour that harmonises with the natural environment while complementing the white rendered entrance building.
The landscaped areas, take inspiration from the natural flow of the nearby river. A series of pathways meander through the site, creating open spaces and planting ‘islands’ that offer places for rest and relaxation. Biodiversity net gain has been prioritised, with green roofs, habitat creation, and native planting incorporated to enhance the ecological value of the site.
Ed Sharland, Associate Director of Assael Architecture, said: ‘This approval is the culmination of 4 plus years of design and consultation, particularly with the Environmental Agency to ensure adequate flood compensation measures, landscaping buffers, biodiversity enhancements and wildlife habitats. We are delighted to gain approval for this complex brownfield site which will provide a great mix of tenures typologies in line with the client and the local authorities goals.’