Welcome. Hello and welcome to this information stall about our proposals for the expansion of the Orchard Centre.

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1 Welcome Hello and welcome to this information stall about our proposals for the expansion of the Orchard Centre. Our proposals for the expansion of the Orchard Centre are part of a multi-million pound regeneration programme to transform Didcot town centre and enhance its position as a focal point within the Science Vale. The first phase has been a huge success, attracting shoppers from across southern Oxfordshire. We are now proposing an extension to the centre, building on this existing success to deliver further significant benefits to the community. A planning application for the expansion of the Orchard Centre was submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council earlier this year. To supplement that application, we recently provided the Council with some design improvements responding to comments received during the post-submission consultation process. We are here today to discuss the proposed expansion of the centre and the design improvements. We re keen to know what you think about these exciting proposals and these boards have been designed to illustrate what is planned. Proposed Orchard Centre extension and potential future development area Hammerson is the owner of the Orchard Centre and is responsible for the planning application that is currently registered with South Oxfordshire District Council. A FTSE 100 company, we own and manage a large number of retail outlets and shopping centres across the UK and are also investors in Bicester Village. We have a strong track record of delivering transformative town centre retail developments, including the Bullring in Birmingham and Brent Cross in North London. KEY Proposed Orchard Centre extension Potential future development

2 Proposals Phase 2 will provide an extension to the existing Orchard Centre delivering an additional 50 million of investment into the town centre to create a vibrant and thriving location at the heart of Didcot. The proposals will deliver: 24 new shops anchored by a new M&S FoodHall, providing additional choice and an improved shopping experience Three new public spaces, including one at the heart of the expanded centre suitable for markets and other community events Six new restaurants and cafés around the central public space A flexible and modern gym bringing life to the centre during the day and into the evening 100 new car parking spaces and 80 new cycle spaces Over 500 new jobs in the expanded centre, as well as opportunities in the construction process and supply chain New public event space, as well as restaurants and cafes, will be at the heart of the expanded Orchard Centre

3 Amendments We have recently submitted some design improvements to the Council, responding to feedback received during the post-submission consultation process. Looking towards the new Orchard Square across the central square These include: Amendments to the proposed bus route along Station Road, including widening part of the road to the north of the centre and shifting the proposed position of new bus stops and upgrading the junction with Broadway Introduction of eight additional trees and planters along Station Road, as well as an ornamental fence for the new adjacent car park Addition of mobility scooter parking spaces Minor amendments to the appearance of the M&S FoodHall and gym We have also submitted a supplementary Transport Assessment which responds fully to all consultation comments received, concluding there are no transport reasons why the expansion should not be granted planning permission. The 24 high-quality new stores will be anchored by an M&S FoodHall

4 Masterplan Masterplan

5 Station Road In order to deliver the extension of the Orchard Centre, we have to create a new route for the buses which currently make use of the High Street. Having analysed the various options for rerouting the buses, the use of Station Road is the only deliverable option. This has also been confirmed by an independent technical review undertaken for South Oxfordshire District Council. We recognise some concerns have been raised around issues such as safety and the character of the public space on Station Road. There are however numerous examples of this kind of space working successfully across the country including in nearby central Oxford. An independent Road Safety Audit has been undertaken for the proposed bus route along Station Road. This did not identify any significant road safety issues, illustrating that the space is suitable for shared use by pedestrians and bus services. Redirecting buses along Station Road will allow the whole of the town centre to be better served than at present and allow for those travelling to Didcot on buses to arrive right outside the shops, the cinema and Cornerstone. Proposed bus links Existing Station Road Proposed Station Road

6 New public spaces Our proposals are poised to transform the amount and quality of open space in the town centre. The growth of the Orchard Centre would provide three new public spaces, including one located at the heart of the expanded centre suitable for markets or other large community events. Towards the new Orchard Square Orchard Street 12 x 12m ice rink Towards the Broadway Site plan identifying the central space at the heart of the expanded centre Potential use of the central space Aspirational examples of how the central space could be used

7 Bus Route Options As part of the development process we considered a number of options for rerouting the buses. The proposed route (option 7 on the site plan) is the only deliverable option. This is because: No third party land is required The new bus stops will be located closer to the retail core Bus passengers will be dropped off in a pedestrianised area along Station Road Avoids Jubilee Way roundabout No predicted increase in bus journey times This has also been confirmed by an independent technical review undertaken for South Oxfordshire District Council. Other options we considered and the reasons why they are undeliverable are outlined below: Option 1 Station Road Northbound / Edinburgh Drive Southbound Third party land is required on Edinburgh Drive to allow the route to be delivered Widening of Station Road is required Station Road and Edinburgh Drive both front on to residential properties Relocation of on-street parking on Edinburgh Drive Option 2 Service Road Widening of road to accommodate two-way HGV/ bus movements would result in a significant loss of retail space Security in the service yard would be compromised by permitting the use of buses Restricts the space available for servicing vehicles to manoeuvre Bus stops are further away from the town centre when compared to other options Option 3 Services terminate at the Station Bus stops at the station are approximately 750 metres from the retail core, reducing attractiveness of bus travel to the town centre Option 4 Bus Stops on Broadway / Hitchcock Way Bus stops are located too far from the town centre Route through Jubilee Way roundabout Option 5 Station Road / Service Road Widening of Station Road required Widening to accommodate two-way HGV/bus movements would require M&S to be relocated to the west by approximately 5 metres Security in the service yard would be compromised by permitting the use of buses Buses will travel through a pedestrianised area Restricts the space available for servicing vehicles to manoeuvre Possibility of pedestrian/hgv conflicts; Bus stops on the service route are further away from the town centre Option 6 Station Road Southbound and Broadway / Hitchcock Way Northbound Station Road is fronted by residential properties Buses will continue to travel through congested links and junctions Buses will travel through a pedestrianised area Widening on Station Road Travels through Jubilee Way roundabout in the northbound direction

8 Next steps We are excited to extend the Orchard Centre and are looking forward to presenting our plans to the planning committee later this summer. Subject to receiving planning consent, we intend to start on site towards the end of the year. We would welcome your views on the proposals and would encourage you to submit your comments and representations on the application to the Council through the details shown. If you have any further questions about our proposals you can contact a member of the project team: by calling Or by ing matthew.evans@glhearn.com You can also visit Application Reference Number: P15/S0433/FUL You can... Write: 135 Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, OX14 4SB planning@southoxon.gov.uk Submit online: You can also leave your comments with a member of the project team here today. Aerial view of the proposed expanded centre