A new development partnership is working on a fresh proposal for redeveloping the Enfield Town shopping arcade, reports James Cracknell

Enfield Town residents and business owners are being invited to a consultation event by a new partnership hoping to redevelop Palace Gardens Shopping Centre.

Site owners DWS Group, formerly known as Deutsche Asset Management, has teamed up with development management firm RivingtonHark to draw up fresh plans for the ageing shopping arcade, after previous high-rise plans for the site were ditched four years ago following a public backlash.

The future of Palace Gardens was recently debated at the Enfield Local Plan examination, with building heights again the main concern being raised. At the hearing in October, Enfield Council was accused of “ignoring its own advice” by including a maximum of 39 metres (around 13 storeys) for any new development.

The Enfield Society argued strongly that new buildings at Palace Gardens, sitting in the centre of Enfield Town Conservation Area, should be limited instead to 27m, or around nine storeys.

No designs or details for the new DWS proposal have been made public at this stage, with local people instead being invited to have their say during two consultation events to be held at Palace Gardens next month.

In a letter to residents and businesses, Dan Bewley from the Palace Gardens project team said: “We are pleased to share details of the enhancement and emerging proposals for the redevelopment of Palace Gardens Shopping Centre in Enfield.

“The project represents a major opportunity to transform the heart of Enfield into a more vibrant, welcoming and sustainable town centre, one that meets everyday needs, creates new homes, and supports a mix of shopping, dining and leisure uses for local people.

“A new professional project team, led by RivingtonHark (development managers on behalf of the owner DWS), has been appointed to take forward the emerging proposals with a fresh approach focused on listening, collaboration and long-term investment in the town centre’s future.

“We are now launching the first phase of public consultation to introduce the project and gather early feedback from residents, businesses and community organisations. Information about the proposals and ways to get involved can be found on our consultation website.”

The two public consultation events are taking place in December on Thursday 11th (3pm-7pm) and Saturday 13th (10am-2pm), at a vacant shop unit in Hatton Walk, between Three and Rituals.

Explaining the rationale behind redeveloping Palace Gardens, the project team state: “While Palace Gardens continues to serve as the heart of the town, it is now showing signs of age. The current layout and unit sizes no longer meet the needs of many modern retailers, limiting its ability to adapt to changing shopping habits.

“As a result, it no longer fully realises its potential as a focal point for Enfield’s residents and visitors.

“Vacancy levels, footfall patterns and changing shopping habits all highlight the need to reposition Palace Gardens for a more sustainable and flexible future.

“Enfield Council are also currently bringing forward a new Local Plan, which includes guidance for new homes in the town centre. Our emerging proposals are intended to be in keeping with the new policies.

“This redevelopment represents the next stage of long-term investment in Enfield Town, strengthening its role as a key shopping and leisure destination, improving the experience for visitors, and creating new homes and green spaces that support a thriving local centre for years to come.”

To ask any questions about the consultation and the upcoming public events:
Call 0800 193 0884
Email [email protected]
Visit palacegardensconsultation.co.uk

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