CONCERNS have been raised of the effect on the town centre of the £300 million redevelopment of the Leisure Park.

NewRiver REIT Plc, which was awarded the contract to deliver the redevelopment, held three consultations to gauge public opinion on proposals earlier this month.

Business owners in the town centre feel there has been no clear message about the retail aspect of the plan.

Alan Stone, owner of Squirrels Antiques, said that there is already a threat on small independent businesses, and this retail aspect could kill off any budding businesses.

Mr Stone said: “Basingstoke town centre is already changing.

“Small independent retail shops are being forced out by ever increasing rents and rates. Retailers are making way for hair salons, beauticians and nail bars.

“There has been evidence from elsewhere in the country that these out-of-town retail parks kill off the town centre, and that is what is going to happen here.”

NewRiver said that the project has always been leisure-led, but the luxury outlet retail element is critical to providing the financial viability to deliver of the best possible leisure facilities.

Development director at NewRiver, Jamie Whitfield, said: “The first public events allowed us to showcase what is possible in a reimagined leisure park for the future. We have been pleased with the engagement from the public, with many people telling us they welcome the investment in reinvigorating the park, doubling the leisure offer and bringing forward the new designer outlet.”

Cabinet member for property and development Councillor John Izett said: “The additional 200,000 sq ft designer outlet village supports the viability of the project and creates ‘something for everyone’ free time experiences. NewRiver’s £300 million proposed investment means no public funding [will be used] to build the replacement for our popular but tired park.

“We want to complement the town centre, with a very different kind of shopping offer, and strengthen transport links to the town centre for the extra visitors that will be attracted here.

“This will benefit both a thriving town centre and an exciting new leisure park.”

To view the proposals visit futurebasingstokeleisurepark.info.