Plans to regenerate Eden Walk in Kingston town centre have been given the go-ahead.

Kingston Council gave its backing for almost 400 new homes plus 18,000 sqm of retail space, leisure facilities and offices.

The area has long been considered suitable for redevelopment and the scheme to create a new retail area together with leisure facilities and much-needed office space is welcome.

However, the scheme has not been without controversy. Two councillors voted against the plans at the council’s development control committee (26 May 2016) and there had been 171 objections from residents and some businesses. 

The main objections surrounded the lack of affordable housing in the plans and a modern building structure which some felt was not in keeping with the town’s heritage. 

More details on the outcome of the meeting have been reported locally.

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/14516424.Plans_for_complete_overhaul_of_Kingston_s_Eden_Walk_approved_by_councillors/

One local councillor believes the development will create 600 new jobs, which is great news for the borough.

Eden Walk Shopping Centre is jointly owned by University Superannuation Scheme and British Land and the consultation process, which included a public consultation attended by 1,200 people, has been going on since last summer.

Plans include a new public space of around 1,000 sqm with seating, landscaping and space for events, pop-up stalls and shops as well as a walkway from Eden Walk to Memorial Gardens. Leisure facilities will include a boutique cinema, a new dining terrace and cafés. The development includes almost 400 new homes from studio apartments to three-bedroom flats. The proposals can be viewed in more details here.

http://www.edenwalkregeneration.com/the-proposals/ 

Whilst the scheme may continue to prove controversial for some in the town, the regeneration of the Eden shopping centre area is much-needed and eagerly awaited. For those of us working in the commercial property sector, the demand for retail units and office space remains high whilst supply continues to be short. There is no doubt the town is in need to high quality places to work and space for new retailers to set up shop. Whilst we appreciate concerns about the look and style of the new development, we think it will be good news for the town’s economy including job prospects and increasing the town’s appeal to businesses looking to start-up or relocate.