Rethink over Stortford town centre revamp

By Sinead Holland

PEOPLE power has prompted the developer behind ambitious plans to revolutionise shopping in Stortford to take a second look at the proposals.

An artist's impression of plans for Stortford, showing the United Reformed Church and what is now the Waitrose car park

Henderson Global Investors wants to transform the Causeway and revamp the town centre with a retail and residential project called Old River Lane.

Earlier this year the company revealed its vision for the complex of shops, restaurants, homes, parking, a hotel and even a digital cinema in a series of meetings and with an on-site exhibition and public consultation.

This week Martin Perry, Henderson’s director of retail property development, revealed the conclusions and confirmed the company was thinking again on some key aspects after 500 responses.

He said the investor had been encouraged by the view of many that the land would indeed benefit from redevelopment – including enthusiasm for a new department store, public squares and walking routes around town.

However he said: “We have noted some of the concerns that people, including the Civic Federation, had about some aspects of the proposed scheme.

“One particular comment was the height of some of the buildings. We are looking again at how we can ensure that views of key landmarks are not affected too much, in particular the old mill owner’s house next to Coopers of Stortford and the proposed hotel.

“People were also concerned about the impact of the scheme on traffic in the town and if we had planned for enough parking. We also had a few questions asking if there was a need for more residential building in the town centre and the rationale for a new cinema on the site.”
He confirmed: “We have taken this all on board and our architects are currently looking at how they can refine the proposals to reflect this feedback.

“We have employed specialist highway planners to analyse the traffic flows and demand for parking in the town, as well as the impact that the proposed scheme will have on these. We are also working closely with property agents and advisers to evaluate the demand in the local area for all the proposed facilities contained within the scheme.”

He stressed: “Ultimately we are determined to create a scheme which complements the unique character of Bishop’s Stortford and offers something that will be enjoyed by everyone.

“It is very important to us that we create somewhere that encourages people to enjoy spending time in the town centre throughout the whole day.”

He said attracting fresh high street names would also boost existing retailers.

Mr Perry added: “We have already spent four years working in the town and we very much hope that our vision for the next four years is something that everyone can share.”

• Henderson will be meeting with the town’s top traders and business leaders on September 23 to give them a first-hand account of the changes.

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