Views sought on new Roehampton centre

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as Council sets out plans to attract £45m investment to the Danebury Avenue area

Consultants have identified a series of options for regenerating the area including improvements to local shopping, new employment opportunities and a new or refurbished leisure centre.

Much of the funding could come from the development of new private housing in the central area.

Executive member for regeneration and community safety James Cousins pictured left said:

"There are a number of options - all of which set out to transform the Danebury Avenue area into a thriving local centre. The aim is to make this part of Roehampton safer and more welcoming for residents and businesses.

"We want it to look better and to offer a range of modern leisure and shopping opportunities that will attract people from outside the area. These are very early days. Each of the options has its own obstacles, but it is important at this stage to rule nothing out.

"The next step is to get local people involved as closely as possible in examining the different approaches so we can get a clear view of what will work best for the community. At the same time we will test the feasibility of the various proposals in more detail.

"Depending on which options are eventually chosen we could see investment of between £25 million and £45 million and a vibrant new heart for this part of Roehampton."

The proposals focus on redevelopment and refurbishment options at a number of key sites. These include the recreation centre, the Co-op building, housing office and the Danebury Avenue shops including land behind the parade.

The most ambitious idea put forward looks at the scope for redevelopment on the Allbrook House, library and car park sites. This could provide a new supermarket, leisure centre and library as well as additional private housing.

The current options have been prepared by consultants appointed by the council. They will be considered for the first time by councillors at a special meeting of the regeneration and community safety committee on September 20th.

September 19, 2006