Three Public Exhibitions have been arranged by Grand Union Investments to consult the residents of Berkhamsted on proposals for a planned approach of providing new homes, an opportunity to bring major community benefits to Berkhamsted and meet the needs of existing residents and their families.
The three Public Exhibitions have been arranged for;
· Thursday 7th July, from 12 noon – 7.00pm, at Berkhamsted Civic Hall, 161 – 163 High Street, HP4 3HB
· Friday 8th July, from 2.00pm – 8.30pm, at Northchurch Social Centre, Bell Lane, HP4 3RD
· Saturday 9th July, from 10.00am – 3.00pm, at Thomas Coram Middle School, Swing Gate Lane, HP4 2RP
As yet Grand Union Investments’ proposals are still at the ‘concept’ stage and there are no detailed plans. The construction of the A41 by-pass in the early 1990s has created a new natural southern boundary for Berkhamsted and the development of the land between the by-pass and the town could enable the creation of a new, high quality sustainable development. The South Berkhamsted concept envisages a ‘walkable neighbourhood’ that integrates with existing residential areas to provide:
· a mix of family housing types and tenures, including affordable housing for young families who are currently forced to moved elsewhere to get a home they can afford
· a ‘village centre’, including a village green, providing community and leisure facilities, convenience shop, doctors’ surgery, a public house, a cafe and flexible office space for rent
· a new primary school
· a new east-west avenue linking Chesham Road with Swing Gate Lane
· a new bus ‘loop’ to serve the town and to link local schools, the station and the High Street
· improved and new playing fields
· new allotments and community orchard
· enhancement of the existing parkland with new ecology links and improved access to footpaths and bridleways south of the A41
· new job opportunities
· renewable energy and low carbon initiatives
A spokesman for Grand Union Investments said;
“We are keen to consult as widely as possible with local residents, local groups and organizations to understand existing community needs and how our proposals might contribute to meeting those needs. We have already had initial discussions with some local groups and we are looking forward to discussing our ideas more widely as a contribution to the debate about how Berkhamsted can accommodate new homes and enhance its infrastructure to meet the demands from existing and future residents”
