The university, in collaboration with Grafton Architects, has released updated designs for the new state-of-the-art building.
This follows an initial consultation in November and December 2024.
These changes are intended to benefit both students and the local community.
The original proposals, shared last year, included a sawtooth roof design to maximise natural light and acknowledge the site’s industrial heritage.
The building will also feature clay tile cladding, a common feature in many of Kingston’s existing buildings.
The wooden structure of the building reinforces the university’s commitment to sustainable material choices.
The proposals also include publicly accessible facilities such as exhibition spaces, a new café, and a flexible studio space for students.
These facilities aim to contribute to a strong campus identity.
The designs also include plans to enhance the green spaces around the building, with features to protect local wildlife.
The new building is intended to reflect Kingston University’s creative character, complementing the existing facilities of the Kingston School of Art.
Shelley McNamara, principal director of Grafton Architects, said: “We imagined an architecture which would respect the needs of the existing riverside ecosystem as well as the spatial needs of Kingston University.
“This has generated a sense of ‘soft edges’, a gentle shoreline between the river-world and manmade ground.
“We know of no other university building which is so proximate to such a unique confluence of natural riches and possessing this ‘otherworldly’ atmosphere, which is so conducive to study, contemplation, discovery and social delight.”
The university will hold in-person events to allow students, staff, stakeholders, and the local community to provide feedback on the updated design proposals.
The consultation events will take place at the Knights Park Campus on Saturday, March 29, from 10am to 2pm, and Wednesday, April 23, from 4pm to 7pm.
For those unable to attend, all information on the revised plans, including an online feedback form, is available on the Middle Mill consultation website.
Following this round of consultation, Kingston University will review all submitted feedback and continue to refine the designs ahead of planning submission to the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames later in 2025.
It is hoped that the new building at Middle Mill will be open for use during the 2029-30 academic year.
