In a picturesque Surrey village, residents are reportedly ‘outraged’ over plans to renovate their nearby shopping centre and parking lot.
The locals argue that substituting Hersham Green Shopping Centre with a six-story building primarily designed for elder living will ‘destroy’ the locale.
Furious community members are anxious that the decreased availability of parking spots will create ‘chaos’ and express concerns that the influx of trucks and associated construction activities could be ‘hazardous’ for students.
Trisha Miller, 68, commented: ‘This is going to lead to complete disruption. We will lose all these shops, including Waitrose. Where will I get my Cravendale milk now?’
Developers Quadrant Repurpose stated that the £6 million initiative aimed to ‘future-proof’ Hersham Shopping Centre, asserting that the ‘investment in retail spaces is only feasible through the implementation of the residential component’.
Residents were provided until September 4 to express their opinions on the redevelopment. More than 2,000 letters of protest were submitted.
Phillip Smith, 61, voiced his ‘outrage’ regarding the anticipated development.
Having lived in Hersham throughout his life, he stated: ‘I reside in the apartments directly across from where the construction will take place, and this has me furious.
‘These apartments will be tall – people will be looking right into my home. I’ll lose all my privacy. It’s going to create chaos. There will be immense traffic. It will be absolute pandemonium with the trucks.
‘What about the elderly? Many depend on these shops being nearby. Some are disabled. They need to walk here or park here. They will not be able to go elsewhere.
‘It’s going to disrupt everything.’
Carol Kawoh, 72, shared similar apprehensions concerning the development’s effects on older residents.
She remarked: ‘I genuinely sympathize with the local individuals who frequent this centre and engage with the community.
‘It provides a reason for people to get out of bed in the mornings. Many can only manage the short walk here from their apartments – or they need the facilities available for disabled parking.
‘They cannot catch a bus to any other location. Therefore, my heart goes out to them.’
Furthermore, she expressed that the development would impact her personally as the dry cleaners where she works is at risk of shutting down: ‘I am going to lose my job. I’ll be pushed into early retirement. And retirement is not something I wish to do.
‘I’ve dedicated a decade to this job and I love it. I truly have no idea what my next steps will be. I have earnestly tried to advocate against this. I’ve rallied for signatures on petitions, and I’ve penned my own letter of objection. It’s absolutely dreadful.’
Marge Barley, 63, who works at a charity outlet in the centre, also expressed her fears regarding job security.
She stated: ‘We are uncertain if the shop will have the ability to relocate, which means we could all potentially lose our employment. The only information we have is that we must vacate by March.
‘It’s very stressful – all this uncertainty. And it’s disheartening. I’ve been employed here for 21 years.’
Commenting on the implications of the development for the community, Ms. Barley added: ‘This is intended to be a village. It embodies community spirit.
‘Individuals visit this spot to meet one another – to converse. For many elderly residents living alone, this is the only opportunity they have to interact with someone.
‘This is all about to change.
‘It’s going to be catastrophic. Where will the residents of the new apartments park? Where will the existing residents park their vehicles?
‘There are numerous vacant areas above all these shops. Those could be transformed into apartments instead.’
Other residents have expressed concerns regarding the consequences for the amenities that will remain.
Gill Harrington, 61, stated: ‘The new development is going to pose a threat to school safety. How will parents be able to drop off their children securely?
‘The local health center will be put under additional strain – especially with an influx of elderly individuals.
‘Furthermore, there will not be adequate parking available for them. They aren’t allocating enough parking spaces for the number of flats they plan to construct.’
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Quadrant Estates for a statement.
A representative from Quadrant Repurpose commented: ‘We have engaged in thorough consultations with the local populace, and the feedback has significantly shaped our proposals, leading to a reduction of 50% in height and massing of the project.
‘We are dedicated to safeguarding the centre for the community and maintaining ongoing engagement with them throughout the planning process and beyond.’
If you’d like to reach out to our news team, please email us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For additional stories like this, visit our news page.
