The Guildhall site in Kingston could be used to provide new homes, the council has said.

It will use £210,000 awarded by the Cabinet Office and the Local Government Association to explore new uses for council-owned land.

The council will consider how the Guildhall site could potentially be used for new homes, as well as looking at key worker accommodation for Kingston Hospital staff.

Council leader Kevin Davis said: “This funding will support the council’s ambition to better use publicly-owned land and buildings to enable us to create much needed homes and jobs in Kingston. Working with our partners, together we can make greater efficiencies that will benefit the borough for the future.”

Local authorities across the country have been given a total of £8.7million as part of the One Public Estate fund, which is hoped to improve public services, create economic growth and free up land for new homes.

Councillor Nick Forbes, senior vice chair of the LGA, said: “Councils play a crucial role in their communities. With the right funding and support they can help transform them and ensure that they are enjoyable and prosperous places to live. One Public Estate is a good example of providing coordinated backing for councils and I am glad that so many of them are taking part in this important initiative. I look forward to this programme’s results."