Lochailort Newbury Ltd and RivingtonHark have announced a public consultation on the comprehensive regeneration plans that will transform the old, outdated shopping centre into a new, vibrant, mixed‐use, high-quality development.

The scheme is one of the first in the county to be designed specifically to address the changing landscape of the high streets and will breathe new life into the key town centre site, taking inspiration from the town’s heritage.

The proposal is for

• Around 30 new flexible shops, restaurants and co‐working spaces carefully curated with a focus on independent, local and artisan businesses
• Around 400 new homes of different kinds from studio flats to three-bedroom homes, including a number purposely‐designed for rent which include ‘class‐leading residents’ amenities’
• New pedestrianised streets providing new links between town’s railway and bus stations and the shops in Northbrook Street.
• New public spaces to open up the town centre
• Enhancements to the existing cinema/food & beverage offering, plus improvements to the existing multi‐storey car park including additional parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points
• A new highly-sustainable headquarters office building or, alternatively, a retirement living community

The scheme aims to minimise fossil fuels and use a range of renewable energy solutions which will save at least 240 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.

RivingtonHark will continue to asset manage the existing centre on behalf of the investor. RivingtonHark said that demand existed from independent and local occupiers who want space in an attractive environment and they would continue to engage with local occupiers as part of the project and Eagle Quarter sought to retain the best elements.

Consultation launches on Thursday, October 29 at www.eaglequarter.com and with an exhibition opening the same day in the Kennet Centre.

Following  public feedback a formal planning application will be submitted  to West Berkshire Council before the end of the year.