A decision on whether the threatened North Kingston Centre will receive listed building moved closer after English Heritage completed its investigation.

Adult education and the borough's archive are housed in the 1930s building on Richmond Road, which was originally built for Tiffin Girls' School.

It is set to be demolished under Kingston Council's plan to build a new eight form of entry secondary school on the site.

However, heritage campaigners submitted an application to English Heritage to give it listed status in a bid to save it, and launched a petition on the council website.

English Heritage this month confirmed it has written an advice report outlining the building's historic and architectural interest, and will send it to John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage.

An English Heritage spokesman was unable to say whether the body recommended listed status, or when the minister would make a decision.

Because it is a council-owned structure, the council would require government permission before pulling it down, should it gain listed status.