An Everything Space, A Third Space
Few today remember the cultural icons and talented innovators who swept through the Kingston borough, forging their vision in the music and art scene on the dingy soap boxes of local pubs and dusty music halls of motorway roadhouses, to sacred church chapels and sparkling Christmas market stages. Kingston residents have had the privilege to witness the birth of Ziggy Stardust, whose image was captured by the genius of Muybridge – a pioneer of motion picture. This rich cultural tapestry stretches back to the great kings, one of whom has just recently celebrated his 1100th anniversary of the coronation: King Aethelstan.
Currently, the town and borough at large has slowly lost some of the great crucibles of artistry and creativity to the downturns of recent recessions, the winds of unstable geopolitics, and a viral outbreak. Moreover, the historical heritage of the town has been overtaken by a fading image of a retail centre which, despite being one of the highest volume in visitors with 18 million each year, has faced difficulty on the high street. This problem is not unique to Kingston with many others across London, as well as in other cities around the world, all struggling to remain relevant. However, the Market House is the nexus which can easily govern the next decade of Kingston development.
The proposal aims to take advantage of Kingston’s heritage and dynamic environment to convert the Market House into a flexible creative space, which seeks to curate local artists and indulge the community with a diverse array of workshops, exhibitions, community outreach events, as well as a cafe-by-day & wine-bar-by-night space with live music performances. The in-house shop would exhibit exciting prints, crafted books, and literature from local authors with a residency space overlooking the piazza, perfect for inspiration.
A successful vision means that the Kingston community has a reason beyond shopping and food to visit, with a venue that is accessible for both day and night time economies. Each hour, every day, the building will be in use for a variety of functions. Families and university students can join events together, rubbing shoulders with retired pensioners and employed workers. The space will be available for free with a mixture of ticketed events and membership access meaning there is no restrictive price point. This is the “Third Space.”
The need for a “Third Space” is a long standing wish as both residents and visitors have vocalised the desire for something alternative beyond the franchises of commercial consumption. Refer to the multiple petitions which rejected many previous proposals as far back as 2016. Clearly, residents have a vision for something multi-dimensional, beyond a food and drink establishment. Afterall, its history as a retail unit, council building, and fish monger market on ancient lands where artisans and craftsmen forged their craft over centuries, reflects the storied desire of a multifunctional establishment.
In fact, a BBC interview with stall owners shows that they believe the success of the market square depends on an establishment beyond food and drink. Competition already exists with many nearby shops and franchises. Note the recent additions of Bonnie Rogue and Circuit, as well as with nearby pubs already well established. There are only so many drinking customers, and food costs have created a sensitive customer who is adverse on eating or drinking out.
Current state of a-fairs at Kingston’s Ancient Markethouse
Instead, they would rather turn to cafes as a treat, opting for pastries and coffee over steaks and pies. The new cafe, Zega, shows the instant success catering to a caffeine orientated population who does not have the same disposable income as just five years ago. Compare this to Woodies, which is struggling to retain a stable number of customers. This gives evidence that drinking and food in Kingston is not feasible, and seating alone will not attract the visiting population. One must question the need to compete against neighbours, when the business can instead be a magnet, diversifying the portfolio of the square beyond another eating or drinking establishment. To cannibalise sales of other establishments is illogical. Note that, according to Kingston First, one of the main concerns of visitors and shoppers is the sight of empty vacant lots as it damages the image of Kingston highstreet.
Furthermore, certain types of establishments are shown to negatively impact crime statistics as anti-social behaviour, assault, and health risks increase with each new alcohol related service. One may question why Kingston needs another drinking space when there are already so many great options. Residents and shop keepers are worried about increasing cases of shop lifting, fights, and harassment. The “third space” would provide a safe space that discourages anti-social behaviour, ensuring Kingston remains as one of the safest boroughs in London. Refer to the campaign of Street Pastors, showing the necessity of a further developed night time economy with safety in mind.
Learning from previous failures has shaped this business proposal to collaborate first with Kingston, as well as to draw lessons from Kingston councils difficulties on managing the site. As a result, the proposal seeks to include the diverse community in gaining feedback and recommendations on what Kingston really needs. A short list of collaborating agents includes Creative Youth, Kingston University, Homely Poetry, Kingston Hospital, Save the World, as well as other community businesses and charities. Interest is still high. People want a Third Space. It is important to not repeat the same mistakes as others have in the last decade.
Live Spoken Word Performance at Fusebox 2025
Overall, the proposal recognises that the site requires something unique that does not fit any particular definition of retail, or exhibit, or restaurant, or drinks. It requires all elements to work together in what is defined as Sui Generis. Workshops, the cafe, live music, a wine bar, exhibits, exercise classes, and charitable outreach programs is the vision of On The Way, creating a space for the community to thrive. Kingston council has made sure to highlight their desire to approve plans for unique proposals, and there is no other establishment in Kingston which mirrors this plan.
As a final thought, it is worth considering the recent success of South Bank with Between Two Bridges. The elements and ingredients which led to the revitalisation of the public space was beyond just adding market stalls or restaurants, but the access to nearby arts venues, theatres, and architectural monuments creating the recipe for growth. Kingston, if it truly is serious about keeping up with market trends and community needs, must consider what the Market Place requires, as to miss any one of these elements increases the chance of Kingston joining the annals of a slowly fading retail history. The heritage of Kingston demands the Ancient Market Place to rediscover its roots in art and creativity, lest this rich tapestry of community ends sterilised.
Well Books Fair 2025 at Fusebox — A Five Fold Project
