Addlestone is undergoing a major redevelopment which will change the town like never before. Addlestone One is well underway, however controversy has already emerged, as the multi-storey car-park prices of £1.50 per hour were protested by the local residents. They were said to have felt “betrayed” by the extremely high prices, which led to 1,900 signatures on a petition, culminating in a council debate, and consequently, the contemptable prices were lowered to £1 on 12th September.
Beginning with just a cluster of houses, Addlestone has continuously grown to become the town it is today. After the coming of the railway is 1848, the village increased in size and population. Addlestone One is a multi-million-pound project, aiming to revitalise the town centre, with hopes to lure in new, affluent people.
Runnymede Borough Council’s Head of Commercial Services, John Rice, plays an essential role in ensuring everything runs according to plan. Mr Rice conducts a weekly site inspection, to certify that everything is functioning smoothly. Joining his weekly inspection gave me an exclusive insight into the costly redevelopment.
“Our project has created over 300 construction jobs, and when the construction work is finished, there will be over 200 permanent jobs. Following the completion of the work, we are hoping for a grand opening in March 2018, with guests hopefully including the local MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond.”
Mr Rice explained that the overall response of the new project has generally been excellent, with only a few complaints about the rare lorry blocking the road! The carpark consternation has rocked the local community, however even though there has been success in the short term, when it comes to December 2017, they could increase the prices once more.
“Our overall aim is to bring in a wider selection of people, to enjoy the leisure activities which will be on offer, here in Addlestone. Waitrose and The Lights Cinemas are both upmarket, national chains. Other nationwide retailers will compliment these two credible shops, and make a reason to come to Addlestone. Affluent, young couples and elderly people wanting to downsize are just a couple of examples of people who may want to purchase one of our new, contemporary apartments.”
The redevelopment is both trying to attract new people into the local community, as well as residents who are already settled in Addlestone. New attractions hoping to entice people in include the 6 screen cinema operated by Light Cinemas, a 101-bedroom Premier Inn, not to mention the mix of quality retail units and restaurants.
“After the completion of Addlestone One, we then have the projects of Addlestone Two and Three. We hope that this will help pave the way to create a more attractive ambience throughout the rest of Addlestone.”
Addlestone One is an ambitious project, hoping to be opened in two phases, in April and December next year. Although this £90 million project looks faultless on paper, we wait to find out whether it has the impact to change Addlestone for the better, or whether more controversies will arise after the car-park dismay.
By James Stonehouse, St George's College Weybridge
