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."
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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.
Business Forum chairman Chandra Sharma is excited by the plans for Orpington High Street
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.
What do you think of the plans? Add your comments below.
I agree with Joe, if the youths having nothing to do then what will they be doing? Be at home revising? Na, they will be on the new street corners making a pain of themselves. Give something to the children.
I agree with Joe, if the youths having nothing to do then what will they be doing? Be at home revising? Na, they will be on the new street corners making a pain of themselves. Give something to the children.
Posted by: John, Petts Wood on 4:49pm Thu 15 May 08
Do not think much of the fancy ideas but please note that it is essential to attract new retail shops to Orpington. The high number of empty retail outlets in the High Street makes it a depressing pla[italic]italic[/italic] ce to visit.
Do not think much of the fancy ideas but please note that it is essential to attract new retail shops to Orpington. The high number of empty retail outlets in the High Street makes it a depressing pla ce to visit.
Posted by: Your Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott The Wise, Posh Bexley Village on 5:17pm Thu 15 May 08
Residents of the [bold]Crays[/bold] always say that they live in [bold]Orpington[/bold].
Hardly surprising in view of the [bold]Crays[/bold]' reputation, I suppose.
[bold]Your Lord, Erastus Theobald Piggott[/bold]
Residents of the Crays always say that they live in Orpington.
Hardly surprising in view of the Crays' reputation, I suppose.
Posted by: Tracey, Orpington on 5:35pm Thu 15 May 08
I have 2 teenagers,no-where for them to go,they are called yobs. Kids need more,they need somewhere to go to habg out. We dont need new pavements and more shops,there are enough empty shops as it is. Be sensible Bromley council,ask us what we want,we live here.
I have 2 teenagers,no-where for them to go,they are called yobs. Kids need more,they need somewhere to go to habg out. We dont need new pavements and more shops,there are enough empty shops as it is. Be sensible Bromley council,ask us what we want,we live here.
[quote][bold]Your Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott The Wise[/bold] wrote:
Residents of the [bold]Crays[/bold] always say that they live in [bold]Orpington[/bold]. Hardly surprising in view of the [bold]Crays[/bold]' reputation, I suppose. [bold]Your Lord, Erastus Theobald Piggott[/bold] [/quote] What has that got to do with this article?
Your Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott The Wise wrote:
Residents of the Crays always say that they live in Orpington. Hardly surprising in view of the Crays' reputation, I suppose. Your Lord, Erastus Theobald Piggott
[quote][bold]leanne[/bold] wrote:
Well i think we need a nightclub!!!![/quote] What a great idea!!! Orpington, with a night club? What a stupid idea. This will lead to more under age drinking, fights, litter etc. This is what Orpington doesnt need.
leanne wrote:
Well i think we need a nightclub!!!!
What a great idea!!! Orpington, with a night club? What a stupid idea. This will lead to more under age drinking, fights, litter etc. This is what Orpington doesnt need.
Posted by: E.Teddington-Bootle.
esq, Keston Park .Kent on 1:36pm Sun 18 May 08
Best thing to do with Orpington highstreet would be to turf the whole thing over and plant a few trees, dig a pond and turn the council offices into an otter sanctuary.
There are plenty of shops already nearby all of which are easily reachable by bus and shopping online is available for those who are allergic to rain.
Best thing to do with Orpington highstreet would be to turf the whole thing over and plant a few trees, dig a pond and turn the council offices into an otter sanctuary.
There are plenty of shops already nearby all of which are easily reachable by bus and shopping online is available for those who are allergic to rain.
Posted by: Enlightened Absolutist, Chislehurst on 5:30pm Wed 21 May 08
yawn yawn - once again that same old tired "theres nothing for the kids to do" argument is brought out. and once again no suggestions of WHAT they want for the kids - a youth club? yes because that wouldnt attract trouble and noise would it?! if you actually look into your local community you'll find there is PLENTY for young people to do - sports, art clubs, drama groups. but then again, god forbid, it requires PARENTING to get your kids involved in these activities - something many in our borough seem to be unfamiliar with.
yawn yawn - once again that same old tired "theres nothing for the kids to do" argument is brought out. and once again no suggestions of WHAT they want for the kids - a youth club? yes because that wouldnt attract trouble and noise would it?! if you actually look into your local community you'll find there is PLENTY for young people to do - sports, art clubs, drama groups. but then again, god forbid, it requires PARENTING to get your kids involved in these activities - something many in our borough seem to be unfamiliar with.
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