The Romford Town Centre Masterplan, a strategic document aimed at guiding future development within the area, is set to be presented at Cabinet on 18 September 2024.
Cabinet will be asked to consider approval to take the Masterplan forward as a Supplementary Planning Document to support the adopted Local Plan, which will then see six weeks of public consultation starting at the end of September.
This plan, shaped by community feedback and Council priorities, aims to improve Romford's unique character and history, creating a vibrant, mixed-use town centre.
This statutory consultation follows extensive informal engagement in 2019 and earlier this year.
Key proposals of the Masterplan include:
- re-naturalising the River Rom
- greening the town centre
- improving the public spaces – in particular the market place
- retaining retail and leisure and supporting a mix of uses
- attracting inward investment
- supporting the delivery of infrastructure
- creating safer routes into the town centre
The Masterplan will serve as a planning policy document, influencing private landowner developments within Romford, with financial contributions from these landowners expected to fund public space improvements.
Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Regeneration and Development, said:
"The Romford Masterplan represents a bold step forward, embodying our commitment to revitalizing the heart of our community.
“It's a blueprint for sustainable growth that respects our rich heritage while paving the way for a dynamic future. It is vital that our Masterplan guides and influences future development in Romford.
"Together, we will shape a Romford that thrives economically, socially, and culturally for generations to come."
If approved by Cabinet, the aim is to adopt the Masterplan by the end of this year.