The iconic gasworks near Kingston Sainsburys are nearer to being demolished.

Southern Gas Networks has said it no longer needs the site in Sury Basin,  Richmond Road, which used to hold up to 100 tonnes of natural gas.

The site has been earmarked for private development by Kingston Council but the closure of the gasworks will need to be ratified by the Government.

Kingston College could also benefit when the gasworks are gone.

A college planning application for a ‘creative industries centre’ was jeopardised after the Health and Safety Executive objected because the gasholders were nearby.

A decision will be made at a development control committee meeting later this month.