Fresh pictures have revealed what new homes on the site of Tooting’s old police station could look like if the plans are approved.
The vacant site, which contains two connected buildings, could be turned into 62 new homes on Mitcham Road.
Developer Telereal Trillium is proposing a “heritage-led redevelopment” of the site to bring the 1930s building back into use while protecting and enhancing its historic features.
The developer bought the site for £8.25 million in March 2021 after the station closed in October 2020.
The building was granted Grade II listed status by Historic England in May 2021, meaning it is legally protected from any major demolition or external alteration works without special permission from the local planning authority.
Telereal Trillium said it would keep key characteristics of the building, including repairs to its “most significant original materials and features”.
These include refurbishing the dome room and the historic internal staircases.
The developer said it would remove modern wall partitions and suspended ceilings to “help return the building to its former glory”.
One, two and three-bedroom homes are proposed for the site.
There would also be landscaping improvements at the front of the building and space for the community under the plans.
James Bradbury, a senior development manager at Telereal Trillium, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring an iconic local building back into use and deliver much-needed new homes in Tooting.
"Our proposals will breathe new life into a currently vacant property while protecting and enhancing many of the features that make the former Tooting Police Station so unique.”
Planning consultant Turley also provided Telereal Trillium with advice on the proposals.
Alex Christopher, head of London planning at Turley, said the plans would “not only seek to ensure the long-term future of this landmark building, but also provide a range of new homes in a highly sustainable location”.
The site contains two connected buildings – the old police station, which opened in 1939, and Section House.
It was designed by Metropolitan Police surveyor and architect Gilbert MacKenzie Trench, who designed the iconic blue Police Box famously associated with the Doctor Who Tardis.
Telereal Trillium has now submitted the plans to Merton Council, who will make the final decision.
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