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Revised proposals show enhanced leisure centre plans.
Qualis Commercial has listened to your views and made changes to the initial plans. They are now seeking further feedback on these revised proposals for the 5 sites in Epping Town Centre.
- First round consultation feeds into evolving plans
- Sports hall and squash courts added to leisure centre proposals
- Car parking prioritised
- Qualis seeks further views on proposed amendments
5 days of (COVID-safe) virtual online events will start on Monday 2 November following extensive engagement already carried out, which has touched all age groups and demographics across all wards.
Public consultation data
From the qualitative data accumulated during the first round of public consultation, 2 key themes that came through strongly were:
- Car parking
- Leisure facilities
The revised proposals now show an enhanced leisure centre with gym, swimming pool, sports hall and 2 squash courts on the Bakers Lane site with the Cottis Lane site providing multi-level car parking, including electric car charging points and other uses such as retail, offices, cinema and community space to complement the established High Street.
Phasing of the developments would ensure the new Epping Leisure Centre opened before the old sports centre closed.
New quality homes
Other proposals include over 250 much needed new quality homes built around green spaces on the St John’s Road site, the Conder Building and car park at the Civic Offices, and old sports centre site in Hemnall Street.
There would be a mixture of houses and apartments offering a range of private for sale homes, high quality rented homes and affordable housing in line with Epping Forest District Council’s affordability criteria.
Sustainability is a key part of the proposals which promote active transport options, with public realm interconnecting green spaces and the creation of a network of healthy streets that prioritises people, cleans the air and encourages active lifestyles.
Qualis listens to local residents
Epping Forest District Council’s Communities Portfolio Holder Cllr Holly Whitbread said:
Epping Forest District Council’s investment through Qualis in the future of the town comes at a crucial time in our district’s long-term recovery from the Covid pandemic. The boost to local economy, creation of new homes and improvements to the local environment are just what’s needed.
I am especially pleased to see the inclusion of the sports hall and squash courts in the revised leisure centre proposals, delivered despite the back drop of a global pandemic. Qualis has clearly listened to local councillors and residents and I look forward to reviewing the proposals in more detail. I will be asking more questions and I would encourage residents to do the same.
The Qualis consultation starting 2 November is therefore a major next step in coordinating the 5 development sites to achieve maximum benefit for Epping, our residents and the local economy.
This is the final chance for local people to check the ‘big picture’ before Qualis moves into the more detailed planning approval processes of the individual projects. Time is short if we are to achieve the maximum benefit in the post-Covid recovery of Epping. I would therefore encourage everyone to get involved.
In these uncertain times, Qualis Commercial is working to deliver a community focused development which is shaped by local people to benefit Epping and the district as a whole.
Book a place on 1 of the 5 virtual online events
Residents can book a place on 1 of the 5 virtual online events taking place by visiting the Working Together for Epping website. The 5 virtual online events will take place on:
- Monday 2 November – 11am to 1pm
- Tuesday 3 November – 2.30pm to 4.30pm
- Thursday 5 November – 6.30pm to 8.30pm
- Friday 6 November – 4pm to 6pm
- Saturday 7 November – 10am to 12pm
A pre-recorded presentation will also be available for residents who can’t log on live to view at any time from the 2 November on the Commonplace consultation platform Working Together for Epping where there will also be the facility to leave comments. Feedback channels for residents to comment will remain open until Friday 13 November.
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