Plans unveiled to transform Waterlooville eyesore into new shops and flats
An aging town centre eyesore could be demolished as shop workers and councillors agree ‘something must be done’ to revitalise the space.
The landowner plans to transform the ‘poorly-performing’ Wellington Way centre in Waterlooville into 130 flats and new shops. Developers will be given the chance to present their proposals to councillors and amenity groups at a Development Consultation Forum led by Havant Borough Council in two weeks.
Westbrook Properties proposes the demolition of existing retail space and construction of 160sqm of new retail space, 100 studio and 30 one-bed rental apartments, plus a lounge, gym and cafe.
Councillor for Waterloo Paul Buckley commented:
‘The centre is in a really sad way, it’s stuck in the 1960s. ‘The reality is shopping habits have changed and more people are buying online, so town centres are losing the energy they had before. ‘The proposals need to address that and I’d like to know more about the plans, it would be good to bring more young people to the area and boost the night-time feel of the centre as well as the day.’
Councillor Michael Cheshire, Havant Borough Council’s leader, added:
‘Anything we can do to energise the area and town centre must be welcomed. Wellington Way looks a little tired.’
The Development Consultation Forum about the plans will be held at the Public Service Plaza, in Havant, on May 24. It’s a public meeting from 6pm-8pm and residents can leave comments on feedback forms at the end of the evening. The town’s Area Community Association, Business Association and Community Forum have been invited to speak.
Andrew Biltcliffe, head of planning at the council, said:
‘Being small, the residential units in these initial proposals are likely to be cheaper than larger units, as homes are priced in terms of the square footage they cover. ‘This is a new type of product for the local housing market and may appeal to younger people or singles looking to downsize. ‘It will be interesting to see how the proposals progress.’
Source: The News
