Taller Towers, 272 Homes Near Unilever’s South London HQ 2026

Key Points

• Kingston Council previously approved plans for a 16-storey apartment building next to Unilever’s new UK headquarters at Eden Campus in Kingston town centre.
• Developer Cube Real Estate now proposes two taller towers on the same site, replacing the single structure with slimmer blocks.
• The updated scheme involves demolishing the former office building known as Lever House.
• The new development would deliver 272 co-living and affordable homes, alongside coworking space and a café.
• Cube Real Estate claims the revised proposals improve access to daylight and views for residents, while better meeting local housing needs.
• The taller towers are positioned as less bulky, enhancing the overall design for the area.

Kingston upon Thames (South London News) February 19, 2026 – Taller towers than previously approved could be built next to Unilever’s new UK headquarters in South London, as developer Cube Real Estate seeks to revise plans for a key site in Kingston town centre. Kingston Council green-lit initial proposals for a 16-storey apartment building adjacent to Eden Campus, but Cube Real Estate now wants to replace it with two slimmer, taller towers on the site formerly occupied by Lever House. The updated scheme promises 272 co-living and affordable homes, coworking facilities, and a café, aiming to address local housing demands more effectively.

What Are the Proposed Changes to the Eden Campus Development?

The core revision centres on swapping a single 16-storey block for two taller towers, as outlined in consultation documents submitted by Cube Real Estate.

These documents argue that the new design avoids a “single bulky building” by introducing slimmer profiles, which they claim will integrate better with Kingston’s town centre landscape. The demolition of Lever House, the former office building on the site, forms part of the second phase of the broader Eden Campus redevelopment.

Cube Real Estate emphasises that the taller structures would enhance resident experience through improved daylight access and views. As stated in their consultation materials, the scheme “would work better for Kingston” by providing homes that align more closely with local needs. This phase builds directly on Unilever’s relocation to Eden Campus, positioning the residential element as a complementary addition to the corporate headquarters.

No specific heights for the new towers have been detailed in the initial announcements, but the proposal marks a significant shift from the council’s prior approval. Kingston Council’s planning portal reflects the original 16-storey consent, granted to support mixed-use growth in the area.

Why Is Cube Real Estate Seeking Taller Towers?

Developers Cube Real Estate justify the height increase by highlighting design and functional benefits. In their consultation documents, they note that two slimmer blocks reduce the perceived mass of the development compared to one large structure.

This approach, they argue, maximises natural light penetration and preserves sightlines for neighbouring properties and residents.

The firm positions the changes as responsive to Kingston’s housing challenges, where demand for affordable and co-living options outstrips supply. By incorporating 272 homes—spanning co-living units and affordable housing—the project aims to contribute meaningfully to the borough’s housing targets. Additional amenities like coworking space and a café are intended to foster community integration and support local employment.

Cube Real Estate’s rationale underscores adaptability in urban planning, where evolving needs prompt design tweaks post-approval. The proximity to Unilever’s HQ at Eden Campus adds economic value, potentially attracting workers seeking nearby accommodation.

What Is the Current Status of Kingston Council’s Approval?

Kingston Council already approved the original 16-storey plan, but Cube Real Estate must now seek permission for the taller towers via a revised application. Consultation documents have been lodged, inviting public and stakeholder feedback before a formal decision.

The process aligns with standard planning protocols, where material changes to approved schemes trigger fresh scrutiny.

As reported in initial coverage by MyLondon, the council’s prior green light focused on the site’s regeneration potential next to Eden Campus. No decision timeline has been specified for the updated proposals, but Kingston Council’s planning committee will likely review inputs from residents, environmental groups, and local businesses.

The developer’s emphasis on slimmer profiles and better daylight may sway assessments, though height concerns could spark opposition.

How Does This Fit into the Eden Campus Project?

Eden Campus represents Unilever’s major investment in Kingston upon Thames, serving as the company’s new UK headquarters.

The second phase, including Lever House’s redevelopment, extends this vision into residential use. Demolishing the outdated office block clears way for modern apartments, aligning with trends in repurposing commercial spaces amid hybrid work shifts.

The 272 homes form a substantial addition, blending co-living models—popular among young professionals—with affordable units to meet council quotas. Coworking spaces and a café enhance vibrancy, potentially drawing Unilever staff and visitors. This mixed-use strategy supports Kingston Council’s ambitions for a sustainable town centre, balancing corporate, residential, and leisure elements.

Unilever’s presence elevates the site’s profile, with the HQ already operational and symbolising corporate confidence in South London. The residential towers would amplify footfall, boosting local economy without over-relying on offices.

What Benefits Do Developers Claim for Residents?

Cube Real Estate asserts multiple resident-focused improvements in their pitch. Firstly, slimmer towers promise superior daylight access, critical in dense urban settings where overshadowing affects wellbeing. Views are another priority, with the design purportedly preserving panoramas across Kingston.

Housing mix addresses local needs, incorporating co-living for flexibility and affordable homes to tackle affordability crises. As per consultation docs, these elements “better met local needs,” suggesting responsiveness to feedback from the initial approval. Amenities like coworking and café spaces promote social interaction, reducing isolation in high-rise living.

Environmental gains include potential energy-efficient features, though specifics await full plans. Overall, the developer frames the revisions as resident-centric evolution.

Who Is Cube Real Estate, and What Is Their Track Record?

Cube Real Estate specialises in urban regeneration projects, with a portfolio emphasising sustainable, community-oriented developments.

This Eden Campus phase showcases their expertise in phased masterplans, navigating council approvals adeptly. Past schemes demonstrate commitment to mixed-tenure housing, aligning with UK planning mandates.

In Kingston, their involvement underscores confidence in the town’s growth trajectory, anchored by anchors like Unilever. No controversies mar their local profile in available reports, positioning them as reliable partners for ambitious builds.

What Local Housing Needs Does This Address?

Kingston upon Thames faces acute housing pressure, with demand exceeding supply per council data. Affordable and co-living units directly counter this, offering options for key workers and younger demographics priced out of traditional rentals. The 272 homes represent a notable quota fulfilment, aiding borough targets under London’s housing crisis.

Proximity to transport links—Kingston station and buses—enhances viability, minimising car dependency. Critics may question density, but developers counter with quality-of-life enhancements.

Could Taller Towers Spark Community Backlash?

Height proposals often ignite debate in conservation-minded areas like Kingston. Residents near Eden Walk may worry about skyline changes, privacy loss, or traffic surges. Consultation phases allow input, potentially shaping final designs.

As neutral observers note, similar South London schemes—like those in neighbouring boroughs—have balanced growth with mitigation, such as green buffers. Kingston Council’s track record suggests measured responses, weighing housing gains against heritage.

What Role Does Unilever Play in This Development?

Unilever’s HQ anchors Eden Campus, drawing global firms to Kingston’s innovation quarter. The residential phase complements this, creating a live-work ecosystem. No direct Unilever involvement in housing is reported, but their presence validates the site’s premium status.

Corporate relocations like this bolster local rates and jobs, indirectly supporting housing viability. Unilever’s sustainability ethos may influence eco-features in the towers.

When Might Construction Begin If Approved?

Timelines hinge on council approval, likely months away post-consultation. Demolition of Lever House could follow swiftly, with builds spanning 18-24 months typical for towers. Phased delivery might prioritise homes amid housing urgency.

Monitoring planning portals will track progress, with public notices mandatory.

Broader Implications for South London Regeneration?

This proposal exemplifies South London’s shift towards high-density, mixed-use hubs. Kingston joins Croydon and Wandsworth in tower-led growth, fuelling affordable housing drives. Success here could inspire replicas near other HQs.

Challenges persist: infrastructure strain, green space preservation. Yet, with neutral reporting, it highlights planning’s balancing act—growth versus character.