Out of time

When we moved to Farnham some seventeen years ago debate was raging about the proposed redevelopment of the eastern end of the town. There had been a proposal on the table since 2003 to build a new shopping centre; a proposal that was vehemently opposed by the people of the town. There was concern about lost heritage and moderisation.

Debate raged for years until finally, in 2019, work began. The final plan comprised a mixed use development of shops (including a flag-ship M&S food store), flats and a multi-screen cinema. For the past three years the whole has been behind wraps. It still isn't completed but the wraps are off most of it and it is possible to have a look. We went this afternoon (see extra).   

It's quite pleasant, with a couple of large trees retained in the centre, some nice landscaping and a variety of styles for the various buildings. The bad news is that M&S have decided against taking the flagship store, and it's rumoured that many of the other retail outlets haven't been taken either. I have my doubts about the viability of a six screen cinema too but we will see. Opening a shopping centre when shops are closing all about the country isn't going to be easy.

It left me wondering, what if a decision had been taken a decade or two ago? Would it have enabled Brightwell's Yard to become a vibrant town centre location when things were much different. Did the protracted fight mean that the build is now out of time, designed for a time when people didn't shop on the internet? What will happen to the flagship store complete with large roller delivery doors at the back?

The main blip was taken at the other end of Farnham in a disused industrial building which is in the early stages of planning development. I hope decisions are decisive and redevelopment swift. I would hate to see the town book-ended by two white elephants.