Offices that have been lying empty in Richmond for more than four years could be turned into flats under new plans.

Independence House was previously the London headquarters of drinks company William Grant & Sons, but it has remained vacant since it moved operations to the town centre in December 2019.

William Grant & Sons has now submitted plans to Richmond Council to convert the four-storey building on Lower Mortlake Road into 21 flats, including four affordable homes.

The roof of the building would also be extended to provide more space.

There would be five car parking spaces, 34 cycle spaces and gym facilities for residents on the site.

CGI of the proposals for Independence House, Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond. Credit: Wimshurst Pelleriti/William Grant & Sons, provided in Richmond Council documents

A statement with the application said the company marketed the building for commercial use but it had been unsuccessful, as prospective tenants had instead chosen to move into buildings in the town centre. 

It said the site is considered "surplus office space for the local market with no realistic prospect of the office use resuming in the foreseeable future".

The council approved plans in 2021 to extend the building to improve the offices available.

But the statement said the works were found to be unviable due to the costs required, market conditions and the lack of demand for office space in the building's location.

A further statement added: "The project's central aim is to provide high-quality homes, giving the building a new lease of life and ensuring its viability for the future.

"The proposal seeks to significantly enhance and upgrade the building including its visual appearance whilst making some modest extensions, broadly in line with the consented scheme."

Richmond Council will decide on the application in due course.