20-24 Monnow Street - an update

It is now more than a year since the scheme for the re-development of Christophers and Merlins was first published. I thought it a good time to give you a personal update as many local people have been asking me about what is happening.

The scheme, as originally presented to you, is unchanged in principle - with a retail arcade of small and larger retail units leading through to the top Chippenham carpark (and possibly a relocated Monmouth market) and housing on upper floors. There have of course been changes in detail. The project has also made it into Vision Monmouth which is a welcome vindication of the thinking behind the scheme.

In particular, the planners want the front of No. 20 (Christophers), which is a listed building, to be restored and remain basically unchanged.  The developer has agreed to do this as phase 1 of a proposed 3 stage programme. Documentation for this was submitted a few weeks ago for planning and listed building approval. Phase 2 will be for the frontage of Nos. 22 and 24 and Phase 3 will be the redevelopment of the burgages at the rear of all three properties, opening views into Nelson's Garden and the proposed re-configuration of the car parking.

At this stage the thought is that all the upper floor accommodation will be for social housing, which has benefits to Monmouth's social housing stock but also means a significant net gain in additional public parking space.

One of the big question marks remains the developer's proposal to provide a new home for Monmouth market. Our public consultation exercise last year and our initial survey of market traders suggested this would be a welcome development. County Council officers are not against this in principle - providing the legal issues surrounding the Charter can be resolved and that HLF don't have a problem with losing the market from the Shirehall site when restoration is complete.

As you may already know, this is a funded project that can go ahead as soon as permissions are obtained. Also, there has been significant interest from major national retailers, but they will not wait around for ever. It is a sizeable piece of investment for the town and will create both construction and retail jobs.

There are however some real concerns over the urgency with which the scheme is being progressed at County Hall. We are not aware of any unresolved issues but, like Westminster, it seems that decision making there may have closed down for the Summer! Anything you can do to move things along would be greatly appreciated.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you want further information.

Kindest regards

Alastair

Alastair Robertson           Tel/Fax: 01600 715 781

Q-West Consultants        Mobile : 07774 102 676

Ty'r Wennol                     E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Croes Faen

Penallt

Monmouthshire  NP25 4SB