Camberley’s Major Demolition Project Set to Begin Next Month

Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) has confirmed that demolition of key buildings in Camberley will commence in early November 2024. This project will involve the removal of the former Allder’s department store and several adjacent structures located on London Road and High Street.

In the weeks leading up to this announcement on October 22, 2024, preparatory work was carried out, including the removal of asbestos and disconnection of gas pipes. The council anticipates that the entire demolition process will conclude by Spring 2026, paving the way for the development of up to 550 homes on the site.

Details of the Demolition Schedule

The demolition will begin with the destruction of buildings numbered 125 to 137 on London Road, as well as 10 and 12 High Street. Following this initial phase, the demolition of the Allder’s building will take place in early 2025. These efforts are part of a broader redevelopment initiative aimed at revitalising the town centre.

The site is included in plans supported by the Brownfield Land Release Fund, which allocated nearly £1.5 million to Camberley in September 2024. This funding is intended to stimulate construction on previously developed land, addressing housing shortages in the area.

Community Impact and Future Development

Residents can expect increased activity in the vicinity of the demolition site, with heavy machinery and contractors from Collard Ltd working weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays until 13:00. The council has advised the public to be aware of potential disruptions during this period.

When the plans for demolition were first unveiled in May, Councillor Kel Finan-Cooke, Portfolio Holder for Property and Economic Development at SHBC, remarked, “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.” He added that marketing for the site will begin later this year to attract a development partner focused on further regeneration and housing in Camberley.

This demolition project marks a critical step in revitalising Camberley’s town centre, enhancing both its residential offerings and overall urban landscape. As the timeline progresses, the community will be kept informed of developments and any changes to the scheduled activities.