Kennet Centre redevelopment plans see 427 rental flats proposed for Newbury town centre

Newbury’s Kennet Shopping centre redevelopment is up for decision this week – and new plans offer 427 rental flats.

Developer Lochilort has been pushed back several times with previous plans for high rises.

The latest proposal is likely to chime better with West Berkshire’s administration as it has switched the emphasis to rental properties in a ‘build to rent’ scheme.

It is generally considered that build to rent (BtR) is a positive way of meeting a growing demand within the UK’s housing market.

They are often able to be developed faster, as they can be absorbed into the market more quickly. In addition, the method of utilising high-density housing, economies of scale, and efficient use of space can offer more, high-quality dwellings.

They also offer increased housing choice for people priced out of the open market (referred to as the mobile intermediate market; people who are not eligible for social housing yet cannot afford to own their own home).

The scheme is made up of nine residential blocks ranging from two to eight storeys in height and the development will costs £158m to build. There are no details about how much the flats will cost to rent.

Underneath the flats will sit a walkway and new shopping area with business units, and the Vue cinema also gets an upgrade.

Conservationists are less keen on the idea, saying the development is harmful to the character of Newbury.

Other public objections say the plans are more suited for commuter towns such as Bracknell and Wokingham, and that no homes will be available to buy.

Those in support say the town is dying and the injection of capital investment and new residents will bring life and vibrancy back to this area of the town centre.

The plans are recommended for approval, and will go before West Berkshire Council’s western area planning committee on Thursday.