Millions to be spent improving Roehampton (From Sutton Guardian)

Millions of pounds to be spent on improving Roehampton

3:00pm Tuesday 26th June 2012 in News Exclusive By Alexandra Rucki

Wandsworth Council is planning to borrow £100m so it can radically improve run-down Roehampton town centre.

The proposals were unveiled on Tuesday by council leader Ravi Govindia in Danebury Avenue, which is at the heart of the affected area.

Council chiefs have ambitious plans to pump money, borrowed from the Public Works Loan Board, into the avenue to create a hub of local facilities.

Run-down estates will also benefit from the project including the Winstanley Estate in Battersea.

Plans to rebuild the avenue and Allbrook House on the adjacent Alton Estate were first unveiled by the council back in 2009, but were scrapped due to the recession.

The council hopes to attract new businesses to the area and tap into the student market from Roehampton University.

Access to public services, education, health and community safety, and building bridges between communities are priorities for the council.

But Coun Govindia, said it wants residents to help shape the project which would take between five and seven years to implement.

He said: "This is the start of what promises to be an exciting time for the community in and around Roehampton town centre.

"We want to improve the quality of housing, local shops and community facilities while at the same time improving services for residents.

"However, we cannot do this alone. We have no firm proposals on the table and so need the help of residents to explore early ideas and shape future plans for the town centre.

"Our aim is a simple one - to ensure that Roehampton continues to be an area that everyone is proud to call home."

Labour leader of the opposition, Councillor Rex Osborn, backed the proposal saying: "It is exciting and it will improve the lives of people that live in them and we put absolutely full backing behind it."

But Ahuva Crouch, of Denmead House, Highcliffe Drive off Danebury Avenue, and manager of Pavilion Café said: "I have lived here for 27 years, from day one I hear exactly the same.

"This is why we don't have faith any more, unfortunately. Nothing is ever done at all."

The proposal will be discussed at a full council meeting on July 11.

Drop in sessions for people to find out more are taking place in Manresa Pensioners' Clubroom, Fontley Way on July 3 from 7.30pm-8.30pm and July 10 from 5.30pm-7pm.

Visit wandsworth.gov.uk/roehampton to find out more or email Roehampton@wandsworth.gov.uk