Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation on the proposals for the Palace Gardens Shopping Centre. 

The forum received a presentation on proposals for the Palace Gardens Shopping Centre.

1.            Presentation

The following representatives from the applicants contributed to the presentation and discussion: 

Nick Dines – Community Engagement (Consilio)

Dan Clark – Managing Director (Evys Property Development)

Jason Balls – Lead Architect (EPR Architects)

David Taylor – Montagu Evans

The following points were highlighted during the presentation: 

·         Dan Clark thanked the forum for inviting the applicants to the meeting to discuss their proposals. He welcomed the opportunity for further consultation. 

·         The Palace Gardens and Palace Exchange shopping centres had been bought under the same ownership in 2018 by Deutsche Bank.  They now owned everything except Pearsons.

·         There had been significant changes in the retail world over the past three years and the shopping centres were no longer fit for purpose.  There were many empty shops and changes were required.

·         The current buildings were physically dated.  Existing anchor shops, such as Waitrose, were not trading well and could decide to leave if things were not improved.

·         The applicants were looking to broaden use of the town centre.  There were too many retail shops.  A masterplan had been developed to encourage much wider uses including more food and beverage outlets, and to create an evening economy, to improve the public realm and provide opportunities for families to shop locally and also to work, rest and play.  

·         Extensive research has been undertaken to come up with proposals that will supply what Enfield needs.  There will be changes including increasing densities, taller buildings which it was acknowledged would have an impact.  The focus however was on the economic and physical benefits. 

·         Currently the shopping centres were closed in the evening and there were few options for people who wished to visit at that time. 

·         Improving the offer will also symbiotically improve the viability of the shops in Church Street and around.  The applicants have been in liaison with the owners of Pearsons who are well aware of the proposals.

·         There was a need to provide better connection between the shopping centres and other key conservation assets including the market, Trinity Church, St Andrew’s, the Dugdale Centre, Library Green, Enfield Town Park, the New River.  The shopping centre had three entrances and there were several town squares

·         There were plans to improve the entrances, removing the heavy roof structures, improving access to natural light.  The current entrance by Waitrose if very dark and dingy. 

·         The plans would open up the site and improve connectivity, improving entrances and through routes, creating a new central square to encourage people to linger with open air cafes.

·         There were also plans for a cinema, gym and for new homes for local residents with amenity space.

·         The residential properties will be built in tall buildings with 26, 12, 10 and 5 stories.  They will be built to rent properties, managed with 24 hour concierges, as well as extra amenities such as meeting rooms for larger gatherings.

·         There would be better facilities for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4