Council to choose South Oxhey developer

The redevelopment of South Oxhey precinct took a step forwards on Monday evening (22 July) when the District Council’s Executive Committee agreed to enter into exclusive discussions with a preferred bidder.

The bidder’s outline proposal, which is subject to consultation and the planning process, includes the redevelopment of the precinct with:

• a strong range of smaller shops
• a new 29,000 sq ft foodstore
• re-provision of any community facilities affected by the development
• provision of approximately 450 homes in the area.

The preferred bidder's outline proposals were felt to best meet the expectations of South Oxhey residents which were given in three public consultations in 2011/12.

The most recent public consultation day was held in September 2012 at which 55% of residents voted in favour of outline proposals and 27% voted against (with 18% not expressing an opinion).

There will now follow detailed design, legal and financial scrutiny before a final contract is expected to be agreed. The name of the partner will be announced once the commercially sensitive negotiations have been completed.

Council Leader Ann Shaw said:

"It’s a tough time for town centres across Britain as they face competition from the internet and out-of-town retail parks at the same time as shoppers have tightened their belts.

"Sixty years ago South Oxhey precinct was designed to serve the needs of the community. The new facilities will bring us full circle by providing an up-to-date facility that meets the demands of shoppers today and the expectations of the younger generation growing up."

Research commissioned by the District Council has found that just 16% of South Oxhey shoppers’ money is currently spent in the local economy with most residents using the precinct only for ‘top up’ shopping rather than their main weekly shop.

The next stages of the South Oxhey Initiative project are expected to be as follows:

• Autumn 2013 – public design consultation
• End of 2013 – planning application
• Spring 2014 – planning consultation

Residents can keep up to date through the South Oxhey section of the District Council's website, through the e-newsletter or the postal mailing list 01923 727 255. Residents can also stay informed through the South Oxhey, Oxhey Hall and Carpenders Park Residents' Associations.

Notes

The name of the preferred developer and full details of their proposal are currently confidential under commercial rules. Proposals are being scrutinised by the South Oxhey Steering Committee. The Committee is made up of District, Parish and County Councillors representing the three political parties.

The South Oxhey Steering Committee consists of:

A steering committee guides the consultation and redevelopment process. The committee consists of:

Three Rivers District Council Leader, Ann Shaw (Lib Dem)
Watford Rural Parish Councillor Pam King (Labour)
Three Rivers District Council Deputy Leader, Matthew Bedford (Lib Dem)
Three Rivers District Council Conservative Group Leader Ralph Sangster
Three Rivers District Councillor Stephen King (Labour)
Three Rivers District Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, Martin Trevett (Lib Dem)
County and Parish Councillor Joan King (Ashridge, Hayling and Northwick Wards) (Labour)