Bright new vision for town centre

3:22pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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The future of Orpington is to be thrown open to public consultation following the release of a town centre masterplan.

PLANS shown to the public for the first time outline a major overhaul of Orpington town centre.

The Orpington Masterplan sees improvements to the pedestrian environment of the High Street and The Walnuts centre.

Pending changes to the plan by Bromley Council's development control committee and the council executive, it will go to public consultation in June.

Council head of heritage and urban design Peter Martin said: "Most people realise while they might have aspirations for a department store, cinema or skating rink, we need to be realistic about what can be achieved.

"We have come up with a package of proposals which is realistic and reflects a council commitment to improving the appearance of the area."

The proposals are in two parts.

One focuses on the town centre as a whole, and looks into ways to improve Orpington High Street and nearby streets and squares.

As part of the development of the town centre, several streets will be raised to a higher level and given new paved surfacing to deter through traffic.

However, they will not be pedestrianised and will remain open to traffic.

Mr Martin said: "Parking on the High Street is something you can't do in Bromley or a lot of town centres, and is an important strength to its viability."

"Street clutter" such as unnecessary road signs and old benches will be removed.

New benches will be put in, along with trees and planters.

Power mains could be laid in the High Street to allow continental markets to take place on the widened pavements.

In the plan's second part, The Walnuts Leisure Centre's frontage would receive a makeover.

The work could include a "light wall", a big screen along the top of the building, and new signage.

An extension to the centre, including retail units and housing, has also been planned.

It is hoped investing in Orpington will encourage the private sector to move into the town.

Mr Martin added: "We hope it will take off when the council has demonstrated its commitment to the area by improving the High Street, library and leisure centre.

"We are banking on the private sector to back this up and make an investment."

Orpington Library could move into council offices in College Square, with a view to encouraging shops into the square.

The library's current Grade II Listed premises would be kept and used by the council.

Chandra Sharma, chairman of Orpington Business Forum, said: "I think it will be great for Orpington. We heard a representative from the council speak about the plans, and they are very exciting indeed."

Bromley Council's development control committee was due to discuss the proposals on Monday evening, after News Shopper went to press.

Consultation

CONSULTATIONS on the masterplan will begin on June 6 and run for six weeks.

The public can respond through leaflets, via the council's website, by email or by letter.

Bromley Council will then look at the responses and may make changes.

The scheme could be adopted by October, after which work could soon begin on improvements in the High Street.

Exhibition

A MOBILE exhibition will be on show in Orpington High Street on June 6 and June 7.

Anybody wishing to take a look at the proposals for Orpington town centre will be able to do so on either day.

Representatives from the project's consultant, Entec, will be present to answer any questions about the scheme.

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