The new mixed-use neighbourhood centre is to be located at the heart of the Merton Rise development and will comprise a variety of retail, leisure and service facilities. These will include a variety of community facilities including a supermarket, shops, a public house, cafes, restaurants, vet’s and other appropriate services. The centre will be equally accessible to residents in the other two sites and existing Popley residents.
The local centre will be the subject of a separate Development Brief, to be prepared by Hampshire County Council to enable guidelines to be agreed for a future planning application.
Construction of the local centre is currently expected to commence in 2007/08 and to be completed in 2009/10.