New Addington residents and businesses back plans for new homes and improved community facilities around Central Parade, results published today have shown.
In September, the council asked residents for their views about the area’s future, with options including a new wellbeing centre, improved open space in front of the new leisure centre, new homes and shops.
More than 200 residents, including local businesses and partners discussed their views on initial proposals at events, including pop-up stalls at the market square and a New Addington Fun Day. There were also two interactive workshops carried out with young people from the area and questionnaires were available at the Fieldway Family Centre, the Timebridge Centre and Addington Community Centre. Responses were also accepted through the council’s Get Involved service.
Results, which are available in full in the New Addington newsletter, showed:
• Respondents supported the idea of a new multi-use wellbeing centre in New Addington
• Three quarters of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with proposals to build new homes, with particular support for affordable housing and homes designed for older people
• Nearly half of respondents strongly agreed with the provision of new business space
• Around 70% of respondents would like to see more trees, plants and flowers in Central Parade, with similar percentages wanting play equipment and seating.
Council officers will now review the findings and develop more detailed plans. Community engagement will continue to help inform the emerging detailed design proposals.
“There were some really positive conversations about New Addington and the future of the area. It is great people are really getting behind the council’s drive to build new homes for local people.
“As we move forward with the proposals, we will continue talking to residents, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure that the community in New Addington receives the growth, improvements and sustainable development they want and need.
“We look forward to hearing from even more people in the future as and when the proposals begin to come forward.”
Councillor Paul Scott, cabinet lead for environment, transport and regeneration
Over recent years the council has worked with the community in New Addington to deliver better facilities and more attractive public spaces. The New Addington Leisure Centre scheme is now well underway, and planning permission to build a new community centre in Fieldway, combining the existing Fieldway Family Centre and the Timebridge Community Centre, was approved at the end of last year. On the Timebridge site, a planning application was submitted at the end of December for a new free school for children with special educational needs. A decision is expected next month and the school is due to open in 2020.
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