Council to test new Roehampton plans

Bid to include scheme to rebuild shopping parade

The council's bid to attract up to £45 million of private investment into Roehampton will now include consideration of plans to rebuild the high profile Danebury Avenue shopping parade.

Councillors want to test local opinion on a proposal for redeveloping the existing retail buildings. This approach would mean that Allbrook House flats would be retained and the area around the block improved.

If the Danebury Avenue parade were rebuilt it could provide space for a major new supermarket. Residents have identified this as a key priority for the area.

In addition to providing around 2,500 square metres of retail space this option would allow around 125 new apartments to be built. These would be for sale and include shared ownership opportunities for local people.

There would also be a new access to the recreation centre in Laverstoke Gardens which the council is currently refurbishing at a cost of £2 million.

Some of the current shops could be accommodated as part of the development while others could be relocated to new units being provided across the road at Allbrook House. The proposal would also include rehousing for occupiers of the 37 existing flats above the shops.

If the plan to refurbish Allbrook House were approved it would enable additional shops and apartments to be built on adjoining land. This option would also retain much of the current green space at the junction with Roehampton Lane.

Executive member for regeneration and community safety James Cousins said, "We are trying to create a new and vibrant heart for Roehampton which will revitalise the central area with facilities that will attract people from all parts of the area. There are no short cuts to this process. We have to test all the different options and make sure they can work and be supported by local people.

"We have already consulted on one set of options for Danebury Avenue and Allbrook House. Now we want to look at a radical alternative which retains the block of flats while creating space for a brand new retail development on the site of the current parade.

"I can understand that some of the existing shopkeepers will be concerned about the prospect of relocating. That is why it is important we have a full consultation which allows everyone in the area to examine the new proposals in detail."

The council's consultants will now prepare the new options for public consultation. This will take place during the summer with councillors weighing up support for the different rebuild options in September.

June 15, 2007