A MILLION pound scheme aims to change the face of Orpington town centre over the next two years. The ambitious plan to boost the environment and town facilities has been launched by Bromley Council and town centre manager Ian Hedges.

A pedestrian piazza between NatWest and Barclays banks is a top priority. Mr Hedges told the News Shopper: "My remit is to make Orpington a better place to shop, make its environment more appealing and improve business. The town centre square or piazza is the central feature of the plan. And we have got to improve the condition of the High Street itself."

Other aims include: widening and tree-lining the High Street; attracting upmarket shops such as Next, Principles and Austin Reed; more security cameras and shops linked to a monitoring station in Bromley to help cut crime; better access for the disabled; more cash to support and improve the Orpington spring festival; extending year-round Sunday trading to a greater number of shops -- most shops currently only open on Sundays in the run-up to Christmas.

The decision to back Orpington is partly a reaction to increased competition from the Bluewater development near Dartford, which will be Europe's biggest shopping centre when it opens next spring. Mr Hedges added: "Bluewater has certainly stimulated the momentum for this. We need change and we are up against it with Bluewater. But Orpington is a day-to-day shopping centre not necessarily a destination shop where you would spend a whole day.

"We are trying to change the face of Orpington but at the same time keep its individual character. The plans need now need to be approved by Bromley Council.

What do you think of the scheme? Write to the News Shopper or call the Orpington newsdesk on 01689 894821.

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