Orpington shopping centre redev withdrawn

Areli Real Estate has withdrawn plans to redevelop the Walnuts Shopping Centre in Orpington into 990 homes due to “issues raised by the local community”. The developer had submitted a masterplan last year to Bromley Council to redevelop the high street shopping centre into six residential blocks, ranging from four to 19 storeys, as well as new retail space, a leisure centre and day care centre. The company had said the scheme could bring £500m of inward investment to the area. But the application received 2,500 objections over the scale of the development and the potential strain local services would be under if it was approved. Orpington’s MP, Gareth Bacon, wrote earlier this year that he objected to the development, adding: “Although I do believe that Orpington could benefit from regeneration, these particular proposals are not suitable for the town centre. “My main reason for objecting to the application is the sheer bulk, size and scale of the development proposed. But I also have concerns about the new leisure centre and car parking.” A spokesperson for Areli said: “While we are encouraged that there is strong support for the principle of regenerating the Walnuts Shopping Centre, we have listened closely to the issues raised by the local community, and consequently have decided to withdraw our proposal. “We remain fully committed to creating a vibrant and distinctive town centre focused on local and independent retailers, supported by local homes. We look forward to consulting on future regeneration plans in the coming months.” Areli bought the site with Tikehau Capital for roughly £31m in 2019. At the time, Andrea Vanni, partner at Areli, said: “Orpington is a fantastic town with a great high street and superb transport connections. The Walnuts is right at the heart, and an incredibly exciting opportunity to substantially increase both vibrancy and vitality.” To send feedback, e-mail akanksha.soni@eg.co.uk or tweet @EGPropertyNews Image © Areli Real Estate