The Liberty redevelopment plans: What Romford people think

The second public consultation for The Liberty redevelopment was hosted by owner Redical Ltd inside the shopping centre earlier this month.

Boards were set up showing the pre-application plans for the scheme, which includes up to 800 new homes, also including a "landmark" 25-storey tower block.

Other key features include new and improved retail space, longer business opening hours, and significant changes to the shopping centre itself.

Redical claimed that 62% of responses they had gathered in the months before this second consultation were "broadly positive".

Consultation boards were set up inside The Liberty (Image: Newsquest)

We spoke to members of the public who went to see the plans for themselves.

One woman, Hannah, told us she is looking forward to the proposed open space.

She said: "It's interesting. I'd probably like more greener space - it would be nice to walk around more.

"Hopefully there will be new, nice shops and coffee shops."

Her friend Katie said: "I'd like more places to sit and read and things like that."

Another visitor, Alan Noble, had mixed feelings.

He said: "Regenerating Romford is great, no problem with it at all.

"I like to see the local stalls - you worry about them getting priced out.

"Prices are ridiculous - that's why we have so many empty shops."

Market Place has been a part of the designated Romford conservation area since 1968, thanks to its historic buildings and crossroads.

The consultation was well attended, with people asking staff questions about the proposed development (Image: Newsquest)

It hosts a wide range of stalls three days a week, and markets form part of the history of the town from 1247.

According to Redical, the plans intend to "transform" the Market Place into a lively setting that respects the history of the site while improving user experience by improving store fronts.

The Market Place is not within its ownership, but Redical has voiced its intention to ensure its development that looks out onto the square will "enhance the area" and "benefit everyone, including the stall holders".

Husband and wife Roy and Francis Plume were also torn over the plans.

Roy said: "We've lived here 55 years and we've seen the decline of Romford."

Francis revealed they are not "very trusting", adding: "It would be good, the design looks lovely but it doesn't look to me like Romford.

"We haven't got the infrastructure at all. We're all overburdened."

Francis' concern over lack of facilities such as health care and education is one that has been voiced online.

Inhealth Clinic forms part of the large site for the scheme, with Redical revealing the health centre could be "lost only temporarily".

Application documents available online show that the replacement of the health clinic or similar facility is "anticipated" if plans are approved.

Redical is understood to have worked alongside Havering Council on the designs for the proposed buildings to ensure they "complement" existing infrastructure, with some features taking direct inspiration from the town centre.

It is expected that many of the existing occupiers within Redical's ownership in Romford will be retained or relocated within the shopping centre.

The shopping centre owners said: "Visitors to The Liberty will see ‘Proud to be Romford’ featured in many places throughout the centre and this sentiment was the starting point for our plans.  

"We want to add to the town centre, helping it to thrive for the long-term by creating a place everyone can be proud of."

Francis and Roy said the designs looked lovely, but they have reservations (Image: Newsquest)

Redical has advised that as part of the planning process, it will enter into an agreement with Havering council to address concerns about the provision of local facilities.

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It is understood that this will include financial contributions towards local services, such as healthcare and education.

A spokesperson added: "In response to feedback received during the public consultation, the masterplan also includes provision for space within the development that could accommodate a new or improved health centre.

"The details of this would be worked through with the council and the NHS as plans progress, to ensure it best meets local needs."