London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/13/2011 -- Richmond-Upon-Thames is one of London’s most attractive boroughs, well known for its green open spaces, Georgian architecture and eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants. The area is also home to Richmond Park, Old Deer Park and the Orange Tree Theatre, popular for discovering forgotten old plays. Past and present notable residents include J.M.W Turner, Gwyneth Paltrow and Mick Jagger.

The already picture-perfect London suburb will soon undergo further development. Planning permission has recently been secured for a 48, 000 sq ft office refurbishment in Richmond-Upon-Thames City Centre, conveniently next to Richmond underground (District line) and overground stations, and a short walk away from the beautiful Kew Royal Botanic Gardens.

This will be the first major office refurbishment to take place in the south west area of London this office market cycle with work due to start summer 2011. Propertyweek.com said the companies involved with securing the planning are AXA REIM on behalf of Friends Life Assurance Society.

Kevin Mersh from Capita Symonds, one of the U.K’s largest, multifaceted property consultancies said, “Thameslink House will be the first major HQ office building to come to the market for many years offering prime space adjacent to one of the busiest transport interchanges outside Central London. Given the extent of the works we are confident the building will appeal the major occupiers in the area.”