Demolition of Key Camberley Buildings Set to Begin in November

Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) has confirmed that the demolition of significant buildings in Camberley will commence in early November 2023. This initiative involves the removal of structures along the High Street and London Road, specifically the former Allders department store and adjacent sites.

Preparatory work has already been completed, including the removal of asbestos and the disconnection of gas pipes. The demolition process is expected to last until Spring 2026, with the site earmarked for the construction of up to 550 new homes.

Demolition Timeline and Impact

The council announced that the initial phase of demolition will involve buildings numbered 125 to 137 on London Road, along with 10 and 12 High Street. Following this, the Allders building will be demolished in early 2024. The redevelopment of this area is part of a broader effort supported by the Brownfield Land Release Fund, which granted nearly £1.5 million to Camberley in September 2024 for this purpose.

As site activity increases, residents can expect to see heavy machinery and contractors from Collard Ltd operating in the vicinity from Monday to Saturday. Work hours are scheduled from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays.

Future Development Plans

When the demolition plans were first unveiled in May, Councillor Kel Finan-Cooke, Portfolio Holder for Property and Economic Development at SHBC, emphasized the importance of this project. He stated, “The London Road development site has reached a significant milestone with the commencement of these works. The active development of the site enables the next step of securing a housing developer.”

The council aims to begin marketing the site later this year to attract a development partner who can facilitate further regeneration efforts and provide new housing options for the community. The demolition marks a pivotal point in Camberley’s urban development strategy, aligning with broader objectives to enhance the area’s residential offerings.

The commencement of this project is anticipated to bring substantial changes to the town centre and contribute to addressing the housing needs of the region.