Should the SPD include guidance to enable Orpington Town Centre to adapt to changing circumstances?

Positive

Does Orpington Town Centre's retail offer need to change to adapt to changing circumstances? If so, what changes do you think could be put in place to facilitate this?

Do some market research with young professionals and young families who live in the area. There is now a more discerning population living in Orpington who are less likely to seek entertainment and leisure in London due to COVID. Find ways to appeal to these groups.

Do you see the town centre as somewhere you can socialise?

Yes because it's near and I'm less inclined to go to London now. I would prefer better options here.

What type of space is necessary to facilitate or improve the cultural and social role of Orpington Town Centre?

Theatre, art spaces, community spaces, all with long term sustainable funding.

What leisure activities/facilities would you like to see in the town centre?

Theatre, art spaces, community spaces, all with long term sustainable funding.

Do you have any other comments in relation to retail, culture and leisure in Orpington Town Centre?

More support for independent businesses and much less involvement of big chains and brands. More diversity of businesses: every other shop is a barber/hairdresser, estate agent, charity shop or Turkish restaurant.

Should the SPD include guidance to enable Orpington Town Centre to adapt to changing circumstances?

Positive

Does Orpington Town Centre's retail offer need to change to adapt to changing circumstances? If so, what changes do you think could be put in place to facilitate this?

The retail shops are very limited and getting fewer. There are very few mens clothes shops. If the demand for shops is reducing, there should be an attempt to consolidate the remaining shops in a smaller area (one end of the High Street) and release the space to other uses such as housing, recreation.

Should the SPD include guidance to enable Orpington Town Centre to adapt to changing circumstances?

Mostly positive

Does Orpington Town Centre's retail offer need to change to adapt to changing circumstances? If so, what changes do you think could be put in place to facilitate this?

Yes, but not sure what. We have young family, so don’t go out in evening, so no ideas there. But probably some more accessible, ‘trendy’ and child friendly restaurants/bars/cafes needed

Do you see the town centre as somewhere you can socialise?

Yes, in one or two places.

What leisure activities/facilities would you like to see in the town centre?

We have good facilities already, eg cinema, a good leisure centre and library, but it would be nice to see these facilities more integrated with the town centre, they seem tucked away.

Should the SPD include guidance to enable Orpington Town Centre to adapt to changing circumstances?

Positive

Does Orpington Town Centre's retail offer need to change to adapt to changing circumstances? If so, what changes do you think could be put in place to facilitate this?

I think it needs to become more of a destination place so some great bars and restaurants, more independent interesting shops.

Do you see the town centre as somewhere you can socialise?

The newer bars such as Pato Lounge and GPO make it a nicer place to go. It would be better still without cars zooming down it in the night. Also there are punch points around the bus stops that can feel a bit intimidating walking down it as a single woman at night sometimes

What type of space is necessary to facilitate or improve the cultural and social role of Orpington Town Centre?

More open space, pedestrianise the street do the restaurants can spill out a bit more. At the moment the whole high street is dominated by buses, couldn’t these be rerouted for some or part of it to make the high street a more pleasant place to be.

What leisure activities/facilities would you like to see in the town centre?

The swimming pool is awful! The leisure centre should definitely be revamped and improved on. Love that there a pool there but it is so grim we have stopped using it.

Do you have any other comments in relation to retail, culture and leisure in Orpington Town Centre?

I live the creativity the Business Assn has - really liked the big screen that they had outside the old police station, the Lighting Up Festival and the Orpington Rocks Festival. I think you could definitely use the War Memorial end in a more intelligent way to have more community space and be able to hold these events in the High Street itself rather than tucked away.

Should the SPD include guidance to enable Orpington Town Centre to adapt to changing circumstances?

Mostly positive

Does Orpington Town Centre's retail offer need to change to adapt to changing circumstances? If so, what changes do you think could be put in place to facilitate this?

The retail offer would be improved by pedestrianizing the high street and including more cycle racks. Pop up markets could then be encouraged 3 days per week. A skate board area, a sitting area and musicians could add life to the street.

Do you see the town centre as somewhere you can socialise?

Not at the moment as it stinks of exhaust fumes and pavements are crowded. I would not want to breathe that filthy air.

What type of space is necessary to facilitate or improve the cultural and social role of Orpington Town Centre?

Car free space with plants and sitting areas. Play areas for all ages.

What leisure activities/facilities would you like to see in the town centre?

Skate boarding, cycling, children's swings, exercise circuits, crazy golf, benches and cafe areas.

Do you have any other comments in relation to retail, culture and leisure in Orpington Town Centre?

It should be people focussed rather than commercial and car focussed. Get people comfortable and commercial outlets will follow.