Walnuts Redevelopment Consultation

WITH the recent changes to lockdown allowing for socially distanced face to face events, the proposals for the redevelopment of the Walnuts Shopping Centre took a positive step forward with the welcome opportunity for a live public consultation.

From 3rd to 5th June a pop-up studio was created in an empty retail unit to showcase the latest proposals with information boards, CGI and a 3D model.

Approximately 1,200 local residents visited the event over the three days and were able to speak directly to the team involved including Areli Real Estate Partners Rob Tincknell and Andrea Vanni.

A 3D model of the proposals was on display throughout the three-day consultation event.

Rob is an established real estate developer with a proven track record spanning nearly 30 years. He is best known for his 10 year leadership of the internationally regarded Battersea Power Station project following his leadership on the award-winning Gunwharf Quays development in Portsmouth. Andrea has over 25 years’ experience working in the European real estate industry.

Specific times were allocated for community representatives. Local ward councillors, including Cllr. Kim Botting, Cllr. Pauline Tunnicliffe and Cllr. William Huntingdon Thresher, as well as Gareth Bacon MP, all attended to learn about the plans in detail, enabling them to have informed discussions with their constituents.

There was a further opportunity for the local business community to learn more about the scheme and, specifically, how it will impact their business and the local economy.

The scheme is not the only redevelopment currently proposed within the town centre boundary, but it is the largest and most significant, with the opportunity to make real changes to the future vibrancy and viability of Orpington as a place to live, work and visit.

The proposal represents circa £500m of private inward investment into Orpington. This is equal to 10% of the Government’s £5bn High Street Recovery Fund for the whole of the UK and represents a real opportunity.

Town centres are undergoing significant changes, accelerated by - but not due to - the challenges of Covid. Customer behaviour has been influenced by social change, environmental concerns, and the adoption of new technology.

A view from the top of Homefield Rise: Areli propose to provide a ‘Landmark’ building to mark the new heart for Orpington Town Centre and attract the necessary investment. By building taller, land can be given over to open space and therefore create the network of streets and spaces that will bring life to the High Street, improving Lych Gate Road, connecting the High Street to Priory Gardens and established residential communities.

The redevelopment proposals seek to connect the high street, green spaces, and residential communities with a new heart of the town centre

Generations have differing requirements, expectations, and aspirations, all of which must be reflected in the design and quality of future developments.

Orpington could be an exemplar of post-covid redevelopment. Working with all town centre users and the local authority to shape the place we live or work in can ensure a town centre that is fit for purpose, which strengthens community inclusion as well as the local economy.

Change can be challenging, and the consultation process is designed to encourage maximum participation.

Since initial feedback to the plans in March last year, Areli have adapted their emerging proposals to reflect the feedback received from the community to date.

• Enlarged town square

• Shops designed for more local independent traders

• Lowered the height of the second taller building to create a more stepped approach

• Larger residential apartments and improved residential amenity

• Greening of the existing car park roof

• Developed strategy for online deliveries and parcel drop off points

• Improved landscape and public realm strategy

• Inclusion of public toilet facilities for visitors and shoppers Timeline

Now is the time to have your say, get involved, discuss, and then make up your own mind once you have all the information.

View the full proposals online.

Phone: 020 3866 4696

Email: consultation@thewalnutsorpington.co.uk

Website: www.thewalnutsorpington.co.uk