We are hugely grateful to all those residents and businesses who contributed to our consultation on the future vision for Esher held in March this year.
At the Elmbridge Cabinet meeting on 5 July, a report on the results of the consultation and an updated Esher vision will be presented for adoption.
As part of the Esher vision consultation, we suggested that Esher had the potential to be the civic heart of Elmbridge, a vibrant, diverse town centre, providing residents and visitors with the opportunity to socialise, to come together and take part in shared, fun activities and you responded positively to that vision.
You reiterated that the high street should retain its importance to the town through improved streetscapes and signposting to allow visitors to easily and safely walk and cycle around Esher.
Esher High Street is likely to remain a busy thoroughfare for cars, but you would like the impact of the traffic to be lessened through planting and terraces improving the environment for visitors.
You were clear that the history of Esher and the monuments around the high street and green spaces should be celebrated and incorporated in the future vision for the town.
The vibrancy of the town is vital. You would like the presence and visibility of Esher Theatre enhanced and an increase in the number of visitors to the town centre, enjoying the shops, restaurants, bars, cinema, and all that Esher has to offer. The creation of multi-use outdoor spaces would contribute to the footfall, a space for markets, performance, fairs. This increased vibrancy leading to more employment opportunities is also something you would welcome.
Living sustainably is as important to you as it is to us. From green spaces and play areas to green corridors, low carbon building design and improved cycle parking, the ideas were plentiful and well received. A sustainable Elmbridge is key to our future, and we are pleased our residents and businesses are incredibly supportive.
The vision for Esher town centre has been accelerated due to the need to assess the Civic Centre in Esher. The Civic Centre and the surrounding car parks are part of Esher High Street, but they seem very separate. To establish Esher as the civic heart of Elmbridge, the Civic Centre needs to be more accessible and integrated into the High Street; it needs to serve its employees, as well as its residents and contribute to the vitality of the high street.
You told us through the consultation, that any potential development of the Civic Centre should reflect the council’s commitment to visible, transparent, and accountable governance – we wholeheartedly support this, and our community will be part of the journey at every step.
The next step is to work through some feasibility studies to explore the options and funding requirements in collaboration with Surrey County Council.
Cllr Robin Stephens, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Enterprise and Local Economy
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