A Wycombe shopping centre is set to be turned into flats, the developer’s new plan revealed.

The developers of the Chilterns Shopping Centre, on Frogmoor in a prime central location, announced the proposal to turn the centre into new homes and shops, and to create a new cut-through avenue between Frogmoor and Priory Road.

The owners hope to support the wider efforts for the regeneration of High Wycombe town centre.

Edward Butler-Ellis, from Ward on behalf of Dandara Living, said: “Dandara Living have carefully prepared a proposal for the redevelopment of the Chilterns Shopping Centre, which enables investment in local heritage buildings, improves the quality of the commercial units on offer and provides new homes in the town centre.

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“The public consultation we are hosting builds on the discussions we have had with local stakeholders with a proposal which reflects local views on the opportunities for regeneration. 

“Our consultation will run until the end of September, following which we will review the public feedback received and incorporate that into the regeneration proposal.

Dandara’s proposal brings 313 new ‘Build To Rent’ apartments varying between one to three-bedrooms in size, all with a view over a new residents’ courtyard and pedestrianised avenue linking Frogmoor and Priory Road.

As part of the redevelopment, the historic buildings and frontages on Frogmoor, Queen Square, Church Street and the Primark building are preserved.

Chilterns Shopping Centre continues to house businesses such as Air Raid Shelter Cafe and Tea Room, Wilko and Primark, although several businesses have moved, leaving a number of vacant retail spaces.

Despite the plans, the shopping centre remains open for business, and the current traders will continue to operate until January 2024, Dandara Living confirmed.

The restored Primark building will provide 525sqm of commercial and shop floor space.

The public consultation is now open for six weeks for stakeholders to review the proposal and feedback.

An event for the public to speak with members of the project team will be held on September 8 from 2pm to 8pm and September 10 from 11am to 3pm in the mall area of Chilterns Shopping Centre.

Following a planning application submission to Bucks Council by the end of the year, and if planning permission is given, construction could start in 2024.

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