Ambitious plans for the Kennet Centre

A property developer has launched a public consultation on plans for redeveloping the Kennet Centre, prior to submitting a planning application.

Lochailort Newbury Ltd’s announcement reads, in part:

(We have) announced a public consultation on its comprehensive regeneration plans that will
transform the old, outdated shopping centre into a new, vibrant, mixed‐use high quality development.
To be known as Eagle Quarter, as originally it was the Eagle Iron Works ‐ the project is one of the first ‘shopping centre
to town centre’ regeneration initiativesin the county, designed specifically to addressthe changing landscape of our high
streets and breath new life back into this important part of the town centre. Carefully conceived to reflect the site’s rich
history, it will revitalise this part of this historic Berkshire town.
Taking inspiration from the town’s heritage, this people‐focused, mixed‐use project will bring together:
 Around 30 new flexible shops, restaurants and co‐working spaces that will be carefully curated with a focus on
independent, local and artisan businesses
 Lively new pedestrianised streets providing new links between town’s railway and bus stations and the shops in
Northbrook Street.
 Encompassing new public spaces which will open up the Town Centre
 A cutting‐edge response to the declared climate emergency, minimising fossil fuels and using a range of
renewable energy solutions which will save at least 240 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum, compared to the
existing Building Regulations
 Enhancements to the existing cinema/food & beverage area, plus improvements to the existing multi‐storey car
park including additional parking spaces and Electric Vehicle charging points
 Around 400 multi family new homes, including a significant proportion purposely‐designed for rent which
include class‐leading residents’ amenities
 A new highly sustainable headquarters office building or, in the alternative, a retirement living community

You can read details of the plans, and give your feedback, on a specially created website called “Eagle Quarter”.

The image above is an artist’s impression of the proposed development, courtesy of Lochailort Newbury Ltd.