Keith Prince on Liberty shopping centre redevelopment

Cllr Keith Prince was one of many to attend a public consultation on the redevelopment of The Liberty shopping centre earlier this month.

The local politician made headlines on October 4 when it was revealed he had defected to Reform UK after nearly 50 years in the Conservative party.

Cllr Prince was vocal in his views about the proposed major redevelopment of The Liberty, which could see up to 800 new homes built in the town, alongside changes to retail and public space.

He told the Recorder: "I've got a reserved view on it. I can see why they would want to put more housing in it.

"In some respects, that's a good thing if it creates more footfall but you know our big demand is for family homes.

"More one and two bedroom flats? I think that would not be a good thing, especially high rise. Everybody's moving away from high rise now."

The shopping centre's owner, Redical Ltd, has proposed building the 800 new homes across three plots.

Plot one in Western Road would introduce 400 of these properties in three towers, one of which would be between five to ten storeys in height, another 13 storeys high and another a "landmark" 25-storey tower block.

Approximately 45% of homes planned to be built on plot one would be one bed studios, with 40% allocated as two-bed homes, and 15% as three-bed flats.

However, Cllr Prince revealed that he also has reservations about a change planned for The Liberty itself.

Redical's plans for the Stewards Walk entrance to The Liberty could see the retail space transformed into a more open shopping strip called Stewards Yard.

It proposes lifting the ceiling and overhead coverings from the current Stewards Walk, raising the height of the retail spaces.

Cllr Prince said: "My biggest concern is about the roof. I used to work here in the 1970s in a shop called John Farmer Shoe Shop, a shop that many people will remember.

"We didn't have a roof then and every time it rained, Romford was empty.

"Myself, I would be pushing to have more cover not less. I believe the plan is to remove some of the cover in Stewards Walk - I think that would be a mistake."

Cllr Prince also appeared to suggest the growth of major shopping centres elsewhere had taken its toll on the town, and called for action.

He added: "We need to do something dramatic now to revitalise Romford.

"For too long, councils of all colours have just sat on their hands and watched while we've had the growth of Lakeside, Bluewater, Westfield.

"Of course, the council don't own most of the area but that doesn't mean that they can't be involved heavily with developers, with owners to regenerate and revitalise Romford."

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According to Redical, the "vast majority" of the roofing at the shopping centre will be preserved to continue to provide a covered shopping experience.

A spokesperson revealed the plans for Stewards Walk hope to improve its current design, which at present "creates a dark, narrow street with a low ceiling".

They added: "By removing the roof and widening the street, we will create a more inviting environment for people to enjoy.  

"While that will mean it is open to the elements, the upside is that on brighter days, such as in the summer, visitors and benefits will benefit from a much more welcoming public realm.

"And for those seeking an escape when the weather is not so pleasant, they will be able to enjoy the rest of The Liberty, which will be retaining its roof."