Iconic department store loved in the 90s to be demolished as town centre undergoes £200m transformation
AN ICONIC town centre department store is set for demolition to be replaced by a £200m redevelopment.
Dubbed the “heart of Camberley”, the former Allders site in the Surrey town’s centre is set be demolished over the summer.
The former department store building, which has been empty for almost two decades, will instead be replaced by up to 550 homes.
Demolition of the site is expected to take 12 months, after Surrey Heath Borough Council approved the proposal early last week.
Buildings to be stripped down and removed of asbestos are the former Allders department store which went into administration, and a former Thai restaurant.
It comes as nearly £1.5 million from HM Government was received in September last year through the Brownfield Land Release Fund.
On top of that, Surrey Health council said it would make a “substantial financial contribution” to secure preparation works on the site prior to its development.
The council executive heard that the site has “a great potential to deliver a variety of homes”, which can thereby “boost town centre and evening economy and regenerate the town” as a whole.
Councillor Kel Finan- Cooke said: “The London Road development site has reached a significant milestone with the commencement of these works.
“The active development of the site enables the next step of securing a housing developer.”
They added: “The area will be surrounded by hoarding whilst the works take place to protect the site and ensure the public’s safety.
“We will continue to provide updates as the work progress.”
Marketing for the site is set to start later in the year in order to secure a development and facilitate further regeneration of the new homes.
In order to attract developers, the council has progressed with preparatory works and demotion, as a contract has not yet been awarded for the homes.
They have invited developers and investors to contact them regarding opportunities for the site.
The work is part of the One Public Estate Programme and council’s Local Plan which ultimately aims to provide for a total of 5,578 homes over a period of 20 years.
This equates to approximately 279 homes per year between 2019 and 2038.
Councillor Shaun Macdonald, Leader, Surrey Heath Borough Council said: “The council is committed to enhancing Camberley town centre, however, we recognise that this cannot be achieved in isolation.
“We will work with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that we build on progress already made.
“Whilst we understand there are significant challenges ahead, it is crucial that we continue to improve the town centre, deliver new homes, and maintain sound financial management.”
The council has recently prioritised development of The Square shopping centre, a new leisure centre, better transport links and investments in cultural infrastructure and digital technology.