Chilterns Shopping Centre: Update on 300 flats planned for site

Plans to transform the struggling Chilterns Shopping Centre into 300 flats have taken a big step forward.

A planning application for the project in High Wycombe will be submitted in October, Edward Butler-Ellis, from Ward Consultancy on behalf of Dandara Living has confirmed.

He said: “We are a few years away from the development going live. We will hopefully submit the planning application next month.

“We can anticipate it being with the planning department for 12 to 18 months, hopefully no more than that. It would take two and a half years to build out.”

Speaking at this week’s High Wycombe Town Committee, the consultant presented councillors with revised plans for the dwindling Chilterns Shopping Centre, which was built in 1987.

His update comes in the same week as Wilko leaves the centre, which was bought by Dandara in 2018.

Dandara wants to convert the site into a build-to-rent development of six to eight-storey residential buildings.

Mr Butler-Ellis told councillors: “Two consultations later we have arrived at a scheme that will offer 303 new apartments right in the town centre. They will be fully furnished. They will be available for rental only.”

He confirmed that rent will include bills, internet, furniture and any clubs that take place at the new housing complex.

Frogmore will be turned into a tree-lined pedestrian route running through the site and the current Primark building will be the site entrance for residents, featuring a concierge, lounges, parcel rooms and workspaces.

There will also be six commercial units on the outside, and 105 new parking spaces that will be accessed from Priory Road.

During the committee, Cllr Steve Guy asked what the rents would be on the new flats and if they would be affordable for people on minimum wage.

Mr Butler-Ellis replied: “The price is not set. But prices would be aimed at people on average incomes. There is no quantum of affordable units on the scheme.”

Cllr Julia Wassell added: “It does seem to price out people for social housing… Single people on benefits aren’t really welcome, are they?”

Mr Butler-Ellis said: “We are not offering an affordable element because of the viability position of the scheme but development is open to all.”

The consultant also said: “Over the last few years there has been a steady decline. There are several factors in that, including the Eden Shopping Centre, changes in people’s shopping habits, Covid.

“At the moment we have several tenants in there. Some of those tenants are effectively a meanwhile use.

“Many of the tenants have already made us aware of their intention to leave and find alternative premises.”