geo changing places - kingston case study

tapestry of home art project

textiles art project on the HK community in Kingston
past memories of home and heritage, current experiences, dreams for the future
demonstrates cultural diversity of Kingston as a borough
Kingston as one of the most popular destinations for HK migrants
migration due to political situation in HK and new visa scheme introduced by UK gov
Migrant Advocacy Service - to bring together HK migrants

Korean supermarkets in New Malden (within Kingston borough)

diaspora of Korean people
globalisation and migration
korean foods and goods - big part of culture
Korean food festival
many asian restaurants and supermarkets
cultural events like kpop

how long have people lived in Kingston for

5000 years - excavation showed Bronze Age settlement
Earliest written reference to Kingston is from 838AD

what is kingston's royal history

Association with royalty - Coronation stone, visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on 27 October 1948
Queen Elizabeth I in 1561 gave Kington the right to establish a free school - Kingston Grammar School, which still exists but is private now

when was kingston bridge built and why is it signifcant

Kingston Bridge constructed in 8th century, and was the first crossing point of the Thames above London Bridge until Putney Bridge was built
Original bridge made of wood but in 1828 it was rebuilt with stone because the weight of traffic going across became too great for the narrow wooden bridge

why is kingston associated with fish

Kingston had 3 salmon fisheries - emblem is still 3 fishes on a blue background
TGS and TBS logo feature three fish

retail and commerce in kingston

John lewis opened 1989, Bentalls opened 1992 - now has over 600,000sq^2 of retail space, heart of shopping in Kingston, attracts thousands of visitors every year from miles
Would have been much too expensive for the people living in Kingston in the 1940/50s

why is kingston a romantic attraction

Romantic attraction - river boats

Football Carnival painting

Reginald Brill, painted in 1900s
mostly men playing football, seem to be working men
jovial spirit
use of area has changed - the location is now where the market it
but point on continuity - heart of kingston where people meet - and can see some of the same buildings in the back like the church

Kingston Market place painting

by Bernard Rutt, 1900s (1939)
depicts the market place with the church and mock tudor paintings in the back - point of continuity
what is sold at the market has changed - now more multicultural as well as bread and fish which are still sold
mostly middle class white families doing their grocery shopping

Nocturn Teddy Boy painting

by George Fisher Gilmour, in 1900s
British youth subculture in the 1950s-60s, rock and roll, rnb
fashion of the boy subject showing culture
synagogue - there is a still a synagogue today
different from the Christian church

Topographical view of Kingston

by GH scales, 1900s (1974)
tapestry/jigsaw of architecutre - link to HK tapestry
many architectural styles weaved together, not just one style, very different buildings with styles from different history periods all close together - key characteristic of London - signifies history
old stone work near the bottom and more modern styles near the top
mock tudor buildings built 1930s
mix of people
construction = demand up due to increased population - exogenous change (migration)

key points and quotes from TGS school song

personal to the school - its history and lived experience (LOCATION)
character remains though time passes - 'on through the years let sapere aude ever ring in our ears'
change vs continuity - 'the cobbled streets an gabled roofs of Kingston now are gone, and Saxon glories are but ghosts raised faintly by a stone' - changing physical environment and built environment
continuity - 'and ever father Thames flows on…and over all the red stone tower stands square for all to see' - river and church have always been prominent focal points

TGS was founded 1880

how is kingston presented in the local news?

Surrey Comet

kingston known as a 'quintessential market town' where its 'historical connection to commerce is kept alive, while simultaneously offering a modern shopping experience'
promoting the local area
Kingston International Youth Festival - brings together young performers from around the world, enhancing cultural vibrancy

also reports on crime but not the primary focus - smaller and further down the page

how is kingston presented in the national news?

reports on stabbings and rapes - crime
only reports on big incidents - no reason to promote kingston or show good points unless it is a very big thing
less frequent news articles about kingston given it is national
BBC is not funded by adverts but Surrey comet is

how has Kingston changed over time as shown in maps from 1600s to 1800s to 1900s to now?

1600s - more open space, rural, green, a few urban areas but mostly agricultural
river a sources of trade and transport (endo), easier to defend due to meanders, majority is agricultural due to fertile soil due to flood plain alluvium

1800s - a lot more built up, more settlements and roads, market town starting to grow, open expanse of parks but are not accessible to public, artillery roads moving into kingston as the centre of road networks therefore not as dependent on river for trade
kingston bridge - crossing point
people coming in for the market (exo)

1900s - green space now reduced to small individual areas other than rich./bushy park, more housing, cul de sacs and small neighbourhoods, some more industry like aicrcraft manufacting, move away from agriculture - conurbation (merging of towns)
train increases links and mobility of population

2025 - many schools as people move into area, commercial area for shopping, increased number of train stations (links to london), no longer any large industries (deindustrialisation), services like hospital, migration (good area of london with links to city), expansion of urban footprint

kingston's historical importance

national importance - coronation stone
regional importance - river crossing
industries such as tanneries by the quay - substances flushed into river

kingston built environment and architecture

mix of styles - georgian, edwardian, victorian, modernist, mock tudor, high-tech, post war
number of georgian and victorian architecture
juxtaposition of buildings
links to the art of topographic view
neo georgian and neo tudor (mock - early c20th)

kingston land use

urban land use, flats, commercial shops, schools
lots of residential areas, flats in centre for young professionals with more semi detached in the edges - family neighbourhoods

kingston census statistics (2011-2021)

increase in school age and elderly retirees (increase in 0-15 and 49-84)
decrease in young working population and decreased birth rate (decrease in 16-34 and 0-4)
increase in no religion, hindu, muslim, decrease in christian - south asian migration
but biggest proportion of population is still christian/no religion
decrease in white, increase in every other ethnic goup
private renting was 27%, up from 23% in 2011
0.2% of households are deprived in four dimensions, 56% not deprived in any condition

Out of Order art

Out of Order created by David March in 1989
one of the most well known and iconic public artworks in Kingston
the red telephone box is symbol of british heritage
popular photo site for visitors
the artwork was restored in 2019 to mark its 30 year anniversar

ykingston cultural activities

Kingston Welcomes Korea in 2015 - first british festival to engage in depth with another culture and to demonstrate the link between international commerce and culture
Kingston Carnival - thousands of visitors to enjoy traditional parade, food stalls, activities, music stages
International Youth Arts festival - largest celebration of youth in the country
Food Festival organised by KingstonFirst - celebrates best regional and international produce and cuisine
Kingston Regatta - annual event since 1857

examples of regeneration in kingston

All Saints Church - 1.4million heritage project in a restored church that will tell the Saxon and local history of Kingston, as well as provide new community facilities

Regeneration of Kingston town centre - has been a source of tension, with some residents being concerned about the displacement of local businesses and residents, particularly the proposed redevelopment of the Cambridge Road Estate has been controversial as some think that it will lead to the loss of affordable housing and displacement of long term residents

Development of Kingston riverside - also a source of tension, the area has seen a significant increase in new luxury apartments which some think do not keep with the character of the area, there have also been concerns about impacts to local businesses and environment

regeneration and gentrification tensions in kingston

property prices - according to zoopla, in just 5 years the average property price has increased from 600k to 750k, making it increasingly unaffordable for ong term residents to live in the area

social housing - 19% decrease in the number of socially rented homes in 10 years, which makes his harder to low income residents to find affordable housing in the area

deprivation - kingston is generally an affluent area but there are pockets of deprivation in the north of the borough according to IMD, with 20% of households experiencing income deprivation in some areas, suggesting that not all residents in the area are benefiting equally from economic development

small businesses - there are around 5000 businesses in the borough, most of which ware small to medium enterprises, but the ongoing redevelopment of the town centre has led to concerns about displacement of local businesses, particularly the closure of the historic kingston market in 2020 was controversial as some felt it was being pushed out to make way for larger chains stores

Kingston upon Thames Through Time (book)

by Tim Everton, 2015
major industries in the middle ages were tanning and brewing
aviation industry was a big employer in WW1 as well as boat manufacturing
Kingston's industry can be said to have ended in 1980 when the Vinery (made British sherry) and the British Aerospace (made jets) closed their sites down
some shops on the high street barely survive a year before closing
Kingston has managed to preserve many of its historic buildings but many have also been lost, e.g. in the 1950s many Victorian gothic churches were torn down, the Old Malt House was demolished in 1960
Kingston is a much greener place than the Victorian times
comparing photos, now there are a lot more cars than Victorian times
the heart of the kingston is still its market place, laid out in the late c12th

impact of corporate bodies on kingston - circuit

£3 million transformation of former PRYZM site

Circuit: nightclub, signature pink cups, high-energy, party vibe
Bonnie Rogues: modern British pub with live music, bold food, day-to-night experience

Revitalise Kingston's nightlife
Appeal to young, fun-loving crowd
Emphasises "good vibes" and celebration

Noise & disruption: late-night activity, potential rise in crime, anti-social behaviour
Long queues/crowds: people sitting outside - seen as messy, not classy
May clash with family-oriented residents
:
Adds to Kingston's image as a youthful, party town
Highlights gentrification - but young club-goers unlikely to settle or invest long-term

impact of corporate bodies on kingston - bentalls

Prime shopping centre in affluent Kingston upon Thames
13 million annual footfall
Food & beverage spend: 21.4% above UK avg
First-choice location outside London for many retailers
Used to test new concepts / launch products
Frequent store refreshes & investments
2020: Added 4-screen cinema + 4 new restaurants
Aimed at premium casual dining & social experience
Complements fashion/lifestyle retail

Reinforces Kingston as a major shopping district
Draws in regular visitors from wider area
Offers everything in one place: shopping, dining, cinema
Implications
Positive multiplier effect: increased spending boosts local economy
Targets wealthier demographic (e.g. Fenwick)
Also now appeals to younger shoppers/teens (e.g. Space NK, Urban Outfitters)
Possibly due to many schools nearby
Seen as a "clone town" - loss of uniqueness due to chain stores

Impact of government - Kingston council - a vision of Kingston town centre

community led vision with sites coming forward for redevelopment, bringing new investment, uses, residents, jobs and opportunities
the town centre is facing lots of change so it is important to ensure the change does not have negative impacts
focus on sustainability, celebration of rich heritage and diversity, creating places for everyone to enjoy, inclusivity, balanced mix of commercial and residential and green space and infrastructure, response to opportunities from education sites and Unilever
three main aims - thriving riverside and cultural destination, London's leading metropolitan town centre, greener + sustainable + better connected
under an overarching aim to tackle the climate crisis and meet net zero carbon targets for the borough
changes include a transformed riverside space, connected hubs of innovation and enterprise, walkable streets

Impact of government - Canbury gardens

situated on the bank of the thames
increased population arising from future new development within the area will place a greater intensity of activity on Canbury gardens
masterplan proposals include:

• more accessible and inclusive spaces e.g. ramps, gradient paths, access paths

• more seating and large outdoor spaces e.g. pavilion, toddler play area

• new footpath and cycle route

Impact of government - Friends of the Earth

Kingston council is one of 130 authorities to sign the 'Blueprint for accelerating climate action and a green recovery at the local level', a plan produced by Friend of the Earth
it aims to give councils more resources, more regulatory powers and more financing powers
Kingston signed in 2020 and also plays an active role in lobbing national and regional government on environment issues e.g. clean buses, concerns about expansion of airport

Impact of community/local groups - Kingston Resident's Alliance

gearing up to oppose plans for 400 homes in high rise storeys as part of Eden Walk shopping centre's regeneration plans
the development would become Kingston's tallest building
in the past, the KRA have successfully seen of proposals e.g. for a high rise at the old post office site

Impact of community/local groups - Kingston Voluntary Action

driving social chance towards a fairer, more inclusive, happier and healthier society
their mission is to meet the needs of community organisations and individuals by equipping them with relevant tools, skills, knowledge, confidence, and voice to drive positive change
e.g. food groups to share recipes, events and training, networks and groups

Impact of community/local groups - Kingston Rotary Club

formed in 1922, providing adults in the borough with an opportunity to get involved in local and international community projects and meet like-minded people in the local area
hands-on volunteering, fundraising, community events, sharing skills
work with other local leaders in the community like charities, religious groups, schools, businesses
focus on understanding what people need from their community
social programme builds social connections e.g. dinners, walks, games, fundraising events
22 members meeting 2/3 times a month
part of a larger association of Rotary Clubs around the world

Impact of community/local groups - Goodgym Kingston

a community of people who get fit by doing good
run, walk, cycle to help local community organisations and isolated older people by doing practical task
anyone can join no matter the fitness level
also organise social events

kingston’s change over time

• Agricultural Origins: Began as an agricultural community (fertile land from River Thames). 

• Market Town Development: 13th Century - Grew into a market town → diversified land use e.g. areas designated for markets, trade, and artisanal activities. The town center would have featured commercial and residential buildings, with open spaces for public gatherings. Brewing and tanning emerged as key businesses in the area. 

• Industrialisation: Industrial areas grew e.g. manufacturing airplanes at Kingston, such as The Sopwith Aviation Company Ltd from 1912-1992.

• Urban Expansion: Urban sprawl from London. Residential neighborhoods developed to accommodate a growing population, with a mix of housing types ranging from terraced houses to larger villas. Some former agricultural land was converted into residential areas, especially during periods of population growth.

• Transportation Infrastructure: Major roads and railways connected the town to London and other nearby areas, leading to the development of transport hubs and commercial districts.

• Green Spaces and Parks: Parks such as Richmond Park and Bushy Park provide recreational opportunities and contribute to the town's quality of life.

• Redevelopment and Regeneration: more recently, projects undertaken by the council. E.g. Kingfisher Leisure Centre in the town centre built on a brownfield site. 

finish - interviews