Our popular town is being ruined by newbuilds – they’re a ‘monster’ and won’t fit in

Russell FalconJune 30, 2023

The resident of a famous town who said it would be ruined by new constructions was a “monster” and would not be suitable.

Bromley Council received plans for four new 18-story apartment blocks in January on Penge High Street.

Michael Payne and Rebecca Williams in front of Blenheim Shopping CenterCredit: BPM

Bromley Council receives plan to take down shopping mallCredit: BPM

Hadley Real Estate Group and Clarion Housing Group plan to build 250 new apartments and the ground floor will include space for shops.

But businesses and locals fear it will kill the high street if the Blenheim Shopping Center is torn down to make way for development.

Michael Payne has lived in Penge for 17 years and organized the Stop Blenheim Center Redevelopment campaign which now has 2,480 signatures.

61-year-old man told MyLondon: “I watched this and I was absolutely horrified. I mean, it looked completely wrong in the first place.

“Something that appeals to a lot of people, especially to families, is that we don’t have massive towers.”

Ian Barrington, 64, has owned Designer Drapes on the high street for over 35 years.

He said: “I look at this [road] as an upscale street of shoppers. They don’t really consider what stores are in need, or whether the high street exists.

“It will become a monster that will kill it. There will be four years of development going on and this high street will not survive.”

Rebecca Williams, 46, said she moved to Bromley County to live in a house near the park, not an apartment complex.

However, Robert Carney, 59, is in favor of the redevelopment and said “Penge needs it” because the area is “very run down”.

He has owned Carney shoes and repairs in Blenheim Shopping Center for almost 40 years.

Ian Barrington, 64 years old, owner of Designer Drapes in his shopCredit: BPM

Robert Carney, 59, advocates redevelopmentCredit: BPM

A spokesperson for Clarion and Hadley said: “We have been working closely with Bromley Council, local residents and neighboring businesses for over two years as part of our plans for Penge and regulation. This will continue to happen.

“Although proposed new developments can often cause some opposition, our plans have gained wide support from those who recognize the obvious need to reinvent a tired shopping center. fatigue and provide important affordable housing.

“We used valuable public feedback to revise the design of the project throughout the planning process, including the height of the buildings.

“Any further compromises in height will reduce the number of affordable homes delivered, which we are committed to certainly maximize at this location – especially with the nearly 3,000 homes on the listing. waiting for county housing.

“It’s always been our intention to invigorate and supplement Penge’s much-loved high street with a host of new uses and reinvigorate local favorites, such as Iceland.

“Our proposed new public area is far more attractive, inclusive and safer than what’s currently on site – and transforming the roof of a disused parking lot into a Public street art galleries have been very popular with both local residents and art lovers from further afield.