THE company set to bring Saxon Square up to scratch has reassured residents that Christchurch taxpayers will not be footing the bill.
Questions over who would cough up the cash for the work were raised at a public consultation with the architect CNP when the plans were unveiled in April.
Matthew Clive, of CNP, said: "The public response to the plans has been encouraging. They certainly seem to have stimulated interest and we're delighted to see that the majority of the issues raised are easily answered.
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"The main concern from members of the public was the cost of the refurbishment. It seems that many people think the local authority will have to foot the bill for the project.
"This is not the case as owners RREEF Alternative Investments are fully funding the cost so there will be no impact on the local authority or local taxpayers should planning permission be granted."
He added: "The investment is designed to attract new retailers, which answers the second biggest concern that shoppers had, namely will there be more shops?"
Mr Clive also said they hoped the creation of modern, bright and uncluttered malls would go some way towards addressing the specific demands of modern retailers.
Jonathon Jessop, director of Savills Commercial, the managing agents for the scheme, said: "There is no doubt that Saxon Square is looking a little tired at the moment and this needs to be addressed.
"RREEF bought the centre in August last year and one of the first items on their agenda was to refurbish it in order to deliver an increased retail offer for Christchurch."
He also answered concerns about the plans for the Pound Lane area of the scheme, where previous owners have allowed leases to lapse, leaving many units lying empty.
Mr Jessop said: "Together with the owners we are investigating our options with regard to either encouraging new tenancies in the existing units or drawing up plans for development of this part of the scheme as a future, phased redevelopment."
Posted by: GRIFF, Christchurch on 9:19am Tue 13 May 08
I'm glad we won't foot the bill, we pay far too much for far too little already - the council won't even give us dustbins we are still in the dark ages with refuse bags.
I'm glad we won't foot the bill, we pay far too much for far too little already - the council won't even give us dustbins we are still in the dark ages with refuse bags.
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