Infrastructure Delivery Plan (Feb 2013) - Runnymede Borough Council

Chapter 14. Community Services and Facilities
Introduction
14.1 This chapter details the community services and facilities in the Borough, specifically
exploring the Borough’s:
• shopping facilities
• libraries
• services for older people (voluntary services)
• youth centres
• places of worship
• cemeteries and crematoriums
14.2 In each sub chapter, the existing provision will be looked at, as well as the expected
future provision over the plan period. Where new infrastructure is forecasted over the
plan period, the provider and sources of funding will be stated (where known).
Shopping Facilities
Existing conditions
14.3 There are shopping centres in Addlestone, Chertsey, Egham and Virginia Water and
other shopping parades and more isolated shops at various locations in the Borough.
14.4 The Runnymede Retail Study (2009) was the last retail study that was carried out in the
Borough. As part of the study, household survey data was used to establish the
existing pattern of shopping behaviour for both food and non-food goods amongst
Runnymede residents. This information was also used to assist in identifying the extent
of the catchment of each of the four main centres, and of specific stores (particularly
supermarkets) in the Borough.
14.5 The Runnymede Retail Study (2009) also assessed the current vitality and viability of
the main centres in the Borough, using the indicators of vitality and viability outlined in
PPS6 “Planning for Town Centres” (please note that PPS6 has now been replaced by
the NPPF). The following conclusions were drawn:
Addlestone:
• Was noted to be a small town which is a service and convenience goods
centre. Dominated by a large number of service units and large amount of
convenience goods floorspace. The Tesco Extra superstore was considered
the main draw to the centre and which supports the towns’ vitality by creating
general shopper presence from which other retailers can benefit. It was
concluded however that the rest of the town centre was not (in 2009) fully
benefiting from the presence of this major retailer;
• The comparison goods retail offer in Addlestone was noted to be limited. The
majority of this retail activity was found to be lost to larger retail centres such
as Staines and Woking;
• The local perception of the centre was found to be poor with a limited quality
and quantity of shops. The urban fabric and the town centre environment was
also found to be dated in places and in need of investment. The wide
pavements in the main retailing area were however found to be a positive
attribute, assisting in creating a generally pleasant shopping environment.
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Runnymede IDP DRAFT – February 2013