Hersham Green Centre Redevelopment Brief History Of Developer Proposals
THE HISTORY
The Original Proposals October 2022
The first proposals, presented by the developers Quadrant Repurpose in association with LaSalle, involved the wholesale demolition of The Centre, a reconstruction of Waitrose and some retail units and underground parking for about 100 cars. Furthermore, the proposals involved the construction of 211 residential units in blocks of up to 7 storeys.
The proposals were so obviously inappropriate, with massive opposition from all quarters, that the developers came up with:
The Second Proposal August 2023
The developers presented their revised proposals, on the basis that they had listened to the public. Waitrose was to be retained, half the retail units and public conveniences demolished, provision of car parking areas of 138 spaces, existing Waitrose car park redeveloped into 104 flats with 53 car spaces serving the new properties.
Bearing in mind the vast difference between the first and second proposals it seemed clear to most that the developers were hoping that there would be a lot of support on the basis that the second scheme was such an “improvement” on the first. Hersham residents, neighbours to the development, local businesses and retail units, local school parents and all local interested parties knew differently and considered the following, backed up by full and ongoing surveys and professional advice:
Contravention of Elmbridge planning guidelines concerning height, scale and mass of the residential units and the overwhelming effect on all neighbouring properties, parking provision for residential and retail space and Affordable Housing.
The massive and ongoing negative effect of the vastly reduced parking for the use of every aspect of Hersham life, including Burhill School, the Doctors Surgery, Hersham retail and other businesses, St Peters Church, Riverside Gardens, Nursery School, Hersham Community Centre, Village Green, etc
Resultant huge pressure on surrounding streets which cannot possibly cope with any further parking.
The Third Proposal October 2023
The developers indicated revised proposals which involved some redesign of the residential units. This redesign moved some buildings a short distance from some existing properties but increased the height of other buildings. Curiously, the revised proposals resulted in the ADDITION of 4 flats and the LOSS of one car parking space, namely 108 flats and only 52 car spaces. The proposals basically did not address the concerns and this was made clear. As a result the developers said that they were reviewing many aspects of the scheme and would consult with interested parties shortly……..when the next proposal will be presented.
The Fourth Proposal
This is not known. It is hoped that all concerns will be considered and that further dialogue is established.
Latest News
Hersham is a proud community. Let us all take the opportunity to keep it that way, for the benefit of everybody. It needs all of us to be active, vocal and supportive. With this support we will create a better future for everyone in our village.
Our Newsletter 9 June 2025 made the factual observation that the fabric of The Centre is in visible decline and that 40% of the shop units have become vacant since purchase by the developers.
There is an obvious decline in what was a viable and valuable asset to the community. This is clearly evidenced by the physical deterioration of the fabric of The Centre and 40% of the shop units are now empty since the purchase of the site in May 2021.