Kennet Shopping centre redevelopment plans downsized
CONTROVERSIAL plans to redevelop the Kennet Shopping centre have been downsized amid criticism from councillors, residents and heritage groups.
Development company Lochailort had submitted plans to transform the centre into a high-rise, multi-purpose complex, with the highest levels reaching 11 storeys.
It would provide 402 new homes, 5,355 sq m of office space, including a headquarters office building, 2,413 sq m of lettable flexible commercial space and a two-storey car park extension.
However the scheme – named Eagle Quarter and expected to cost £115m to build – came under severe criticism for its scale, with Newbury town councillor Gary Norman (Lib Dem, Wash Common) saying he would “lie down in front of the bulldozers” before allowing it to go ahead in its current form.
As a result, Lochailort has revised its planning application.
The tallest element – Block A and previously 11 storeys – has been reduced by two storeys, meaning the highest part of Eagle Quarter will be lower than Parkway.
The second tallest element, Block B, has been reduced by one storey, and Block C, which fronts Cheap Street, has been reduced and set further back from Cheap Street.
The number of flats has been reduced from 402 to 381, but the pedestrianised street through the centre of the development, a GP surgery and medical hub, and the units for local, independent and artisan retailers will remain.
Lochailort managing director Hugo Haig said: “We are grateful for the clear and comprehensive manner in which the town council, Newbury Society and other consultees have presented their comments on our planning applications, and have noted that both civic bodies welcomed redevelopment in principle but raised concerns about the height of our original proposals.
“We believe that height gives definition to the development, rather than causing harm.
“Instead of trying to hide the scheme away in the centre of town, in our view Newbury would benefit from a wayfinding feature that signposts the town centre intuitively on the skyline.
“Nonetheless, we have given very careful thought to their height concerns which, in the context of the discussions we have had with Historic England and the council’s conservation officer, have led us to amend our plans.”
If planning permission is approved by West Berkshire Council, Lochailort hopes to begin work on site within a year.
It will then take three to four months to demolish the existing Kennet Shopping centre and around four years to build the Eagle Quarter.
The scheme has been praised by councillors for its environmentally-friendly nature and its aim to be carbon neutral.
Lochailort planning director James Croucher added: “From the outset we have wanted this scheme to lead the way in responding to West Berkshire’s Climate Emergency.
“Despite the reduction in the development’s size, our goal of delivering a net zero carbon scheme remains deliverable, using ground source heat pumps, photovoltaic electricity and a range of other sustainability measures.”
