Gateway vision for train station, 300 homes and business hub is revealed

Plans have been revealed to transform the area around Crawley train station.
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The development would include 308 new homes, a new station entrance, ticket hall, footbridges and multi-storey car park, improved bus station and greener landscaping, and a coffee shop/retail kiosk and a small start-up business hub.

There would also be changes to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists.

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The site is jointly owned by the Arora Group and Network Rail, who have been working for more than two years on planning the scheme.

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An Arora Group spokesman said: “The scheme promises to transform the Crawley station gateway area into an attractive, inviting and safe environment, truly reflecting the town’s opportunities as a place to live and work.”

He added that the start-up business hub was designed to support Crawley Borough Council’s ambition to create a network of business hubs and enable small and start-up enterprises in the town.

The 308 residential units would be a mixture of studios, and one and two bedroom apartments.

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The spokesman said: “The new accommodation has been designed to appeal to Crawley’s young professionals and those looking to take advantage of the town’s excellent employment opportunities and public transport links to London and the coast.”

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He added: “We anticipate a three-year phased construction period following a 15 month pre-build period which includes provision of the temporary station and demolition of Overline House. The first phase of new build will be the new station and multi-storey car park. These timescales are comparable with similar major developments.”

Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of the Arora Group, said: “I’m very excited to announce our Crawley gateway major improvements proposal, which plans to deliver new station buildings, improvements to the surrounding public areas and significant residential opportunities for Crawley.

“We look forward to working with Crawley Borough Council and the residents of Crawley on this transformative development”

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Councillor Peter Smith, Cabinet member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “This proposal has real potential to be a great example of the council working with the private sector to encourage the right kind of regeneration in the town centre – helping to create an environment which is modern, attractive and safe, providing good links from the station to the town centre, particularly for people walking, riding bikes and catching public transport.

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Public consultations on the scheme begins this week.

Outline plans will be on display at Crawley Railway Station tomorrow (Thursday February 11) 4.30pm- 7pm and in County Mall shopping centre, 11am – 4pm, on February 19 and 20.

Feedback received will be shared with the council before a planning application is submitted to Crawley Borough Council.

All responses are requested by Monday March 14 2016.

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An online link to the consultation documents and to comment online is available at www.overlinehouse.com

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John Donaldson, executive director of The Arora Group, added: “It does represent a huge investment from Arora Group. We are funding this and advancing the scheme in consultation with others so want to get it right and that’s what this consultation process is all about.”

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