Some ideas about how to develop Hedge End centre from Hedge End Labour Party

 

Hedge End Labour Party consultation on local development: ConsultHedgeEnd@gmail.com

Now the Lib Dems have bought out these properties in the centre of Hedge End as part of their master plan to redevelop the area, the LabourParty has kicked off a consultation to see what local people think should replace them:

Hedge End Labour Party has some ideas. Our vision for Hedge End Centre is based on our local election manifesto:

Our councils should be there to serve local people and strengthen our communities. This will make Hedge End better.

Our vision is a community where we look after each other. Where you can find an affordable home, and where our village centre thrives and creates local wealth, not profits for big business.

We call on the Lib Dem Council to respect these principles for the new Hedge End Centre.

·         Build back local – use local firms employing local people to develop the site.
·         Maximise use of new green technologies.
·         The development should remain in public ownership and be used to promote local wealth creation.
·         Fair treatment of existing businesses.
·         Businesses should be local.
·         Businesses should follow employment good practice (TU rights, real living wage, proper contracts).
·         Low rent for retail and other start-ups eg café.
·         Keep space for local market.
·        Include community and charity space.
·         Replace Hedge End’s aging public toilets with modern, genuinely accessible loos with hygienic baby changing.
·         Roofline no higher than existing buildings – no high rise and lower to the boundaries so it does not overshadow neighbours, Greta Park, or the road / pavements.
·         Sensitive to the Greta Park green space and small wooded area to the north west of the site.
·         Wildlife friendly: bird and bat nesting, green roofs and living walls, urban planting with trees to provide natural shade, improved air quality and natural cooling.
·         Housing and flats must be council owned and managed, and fully accessible.
·         Encourage cycling with secure cycle parking.

Hedge End Labour believes the council should convene a community committee to oversee and guide the planning and development – diverse and representative, including all local stakeholders, not just existing councillors.

But most importantly we want to know what you think. Tell us at ConsultHedgeEnd@gmail.com

Let’s avoid something like the oppressive, looming building previously proposed for this site:

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