Resident devastated as shops close as part of South Oxhey regeneration

The South Oxhey initiative, which began in 2016, has been billed as an "exciting" collaboration which will benefit the residents in the area.

But for Tim Boura, the redevelopment has come with its consequences.

Mr Boura, who lives in South Oxhey, has watched as a number of shops in the precinct near Carpenders Park station close with rising rents thought to be a major factor.

He said: "I went down to go and buy a loaf of bread one day and I just looked around me and felt devastated really.

"All the little shops that gave the square character and supply the essentials are all closing...and how many of them are opening up again after the move? Small shops should be supported, not squeezed out in favour of supermarkets."

"Don't get me wrong, I support some of this regeneration. But I feel the heart is being ripped out of our community as a result of it."

Mr Boura says he has seen a fish and chip shop, at least two restaurants, a kebab shop, a card shop, a hairdressers, and a butchers close in the last month or so.

South Oxhey resident Roy Telfer has previously said the initiative would have a "detrimental" effect on independent shops

Read more: Traders fear for their livelihoods in South Oxhey

Labour group leader, Steve Cox, who represents South Oxhey, said: “Labour has always said the rents developers Countryside intended to charge traders are exorbitant - £20,000 a year more. Further, forcing shopkeepers to cough up a year’s rent in advance to get new premises has had a negative effect."

Leader of Three Rivers Council, Sara Bedford, says that residents asked for a better selection of shops when they were consulted and some of the existing shops are set to move back in.

She said: “The shopping area in South Oxhey has been failing for several years, with many people choosing to shop elsewhere.

“When residents were consulted, they asked for a better selection of shops and a supermarket. With Lidl coming in and a range of new businesses, we expect the residents’ wishes to be achieved. 

“Many local businesses have been paying below market level rents for a number of years.

"All existing businesses had the opportunity to look at new properties and have one to one conversations, and a number are moving into the new shops. Others have chosen to accept the substantial compensation offered and either retire or relocate their business.

“The development is proceeding on time and on budget at no cost to local taxpayers."

A spokesperson on behalf of developers Countryside and Home Group said: "We are committed to delivering 514 new homes, a market square, over 55,000 sq ft of retail space and improved infrastructure at South Oxhey Central.

"A number of existing retailers will be moving into the revitalised Station Approach and we look forward to the creation of a new destination for South Oxhey.”

What do you think? Will the regeneration be beneficial for all parties in the long run?