Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) has confirmed the timeline for the demolition of a prominent building in Camberley, Surrey. The demolition of the former Allders department store and adjacent structures is set to commence in early November 2023 and is expected to last until Spring 2026.
The council announced on October 22 that preparatory work, including the removal of asbestos and the disconnection of gas pipes, has been successfully completed in recent weeks. This initial phase has paved the way for the main demolition activities, which will begin with the buildings located at 125–137 London Road and 10 and 12 High Street. The demolition of the Allders building will follow in early 2024.
Future Development Plans for Camberley
Following the completion of demolition, SHBC plans to redevelop the site into a residential area, with proposals for up to 550 homes. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the town centre, supported by funding from the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2). In September 2024, the UK Government allocated nearly £1.5 million to Camberley for this redevelopment effort.
Councillor Kel Finan-Cooke, SHBC’s Portfolio Holder for Property and Economic Development, highlighted the significance of this demolition in advancing the town’s development. “The London Road development site has reached a significant milestone with the commencement of these works. The active development of the site enables the next step of securing a housing developer,” he stated when the plans were initially revealed in May.
SHBC has informed residents that site activity will increase, including the presence of heavy machinery. Contractor Collard Ltd is scheduled to work from Monday to Saturday, with hours set from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and until 13:00 on Saturdays.
The demolition and subsequent housing development aim to address the demand for residential properties in the area while revitalizing the local economy. As the project progresses, further announcements regarding the selection of a development partner and marketing efforts are expected later this year.
This initiative represents a critical step in Camberley’s urban regeneration, aiming to enhance the community and provide much-needed housing options for residents.
