Lochailort Newbury Ltd and RivingtonHark have together announced a public consultation on the comprehensive regeneration plans that will transform the Kennet Shopping centre into a new ‘high-quality ‘mixed‐use development.
Plans for the scheme show it to be designed specifically to address the changing landscape of the high streets with the aim of breathing new life into the key town centre site, taking inspiration from the town’s heritage.
The proposal is for:
- Around 30 new flexible shops, restaurants and co‐working spaces with a focus on independent, local and artisan businesses.
- Around 400 new homes of different kinds from studio flats to three-bedroom homes.
- New pedestrianised streets providing new links between town’s railway and bus stations and the shops in Northbrook Street.
- New public spaces to open up the town centre.
- Enhancements to the existing cinema/food & beverage offering,
- Improvements to the existing multi‐storey car park including additional parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points.
Plans show the scheme will also aim to minimise fossil fuels and use a range of renewable energy solutions which will save at least 240 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.
Hugo Haig, Lochailhort Newbury’s managing director, said: “We have worked hard with the retailers and others through this tricky period and we are very grateful for their efforts to try and make the centre work.
“However, the redevelopment of the site, retaining the Vue cinema and multi-storey car park, offers the town a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something very special that will enhance and rejuvenate this town centre site.”
