Physical regeneration of the Merstham estate
This page provides information on plans to improve the physical environment on the Merstham estate.
Proposals for improvements to the Merstham estate, in and around Portland Drive, were approved by the Council’s Executive on 17 November 2011. The proposals include:
- Redeveloping the shops and flats in Portland Drive and the Purbeck Close site to provide a mix of new private and affordable homes to improve the quality of the housing.
- A new local shopping centre made up of seven shops (including a small mainstream food store), public square, recycling centre and car parking on part of the green “triangle” on the corner of Portland Drive and Bletchingley Road, in order to better meet the everyday shopping needs of residents.
- A new community hub to improve community facilities on the estate, on the Iron Horse site together with new homes.
- Improvements to public spaces and pedestrian links in and immediately surrounding Portland Drive.
Facilities in the community hub would include the Borough Council’s Help Shop, the services currently available at the Merstham Community Facility, a new library, space for services and activities (such as training courses or advice sessions) and a base for some key local workers, likely to include the neighbourhood police.
The Council has been working closely with Raven Housing Trust, which owns the affordable housing on the estate, to identify what can be achieved in the current economic climate. We believe that it is possible for these proposals to be financially viable, although this cannot be guaranteed until Raven Housing Trust has selected a developer partner. Raven has started this process and hopes to appoint a developer in the autumn. The proposals would also need planning permission.
Thank you for your comments
A public exhibition of the proposals took place at the Merstham Community Facility, 44 Portland Drive, during August and September 2011. Over 180 people visited the exhibition, and we received over 200 completed feedback forms. The proposals have now been finalised, taking the comments received into account. A summary of the findings can be viewed on the consultation feedback page.
Further information
Contact
Last updated : 08/03/2012
