A “shabby” corner of Epsom will have a makeover to help make the town centre “more attractive for shoppers” after councillors approved plans for Derby Square and Oak Square last night.
Pic credit: Beyond Communications
The adjoining squares in Epsom High Street will be rebranded as the new ‘Epsom Square’, a 4.7-metre high canopy structure erected, new trees planted, and large umbrellas set up, to give the square a “piazza” feel.
From June 2013: Tree planted in memory of suffragette who was killed after interrupting Epsom Derby 100 years ago
From July: Epsom eco warriors at St Martin's School replace diseased plum trees
But some councillors and a group dedicated to planning and preserving trees in the borough were concerned by the application, and said it went against Epsom’s “tradition” as a market town and its horseracing heritage.
From July: Makeover planned for Derby Square in Epsom, but concerns raised over tree felling
There are currently four trees on the walk leading up to the Ebbisham Centre from the High Street. In the initial application, the tree nearest the High Street would be felled to make way for a sign advertising the newly rebranded ‘Epsom Square’.
And the bronze statue of the winner of the 2001 Epsom Derby, Galileo (pictured below), would be relocated to make way for an umbrella to promote “café culture”.
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s planning committee conditionally approved the decision eight to two last night (Thursday, July 21).
Under the terms of approval the tree nearest the High Street would need to be suitably replanted, the Galileo statue appropriately relocated to make way for a 30 foot by 30 foot umbrella, and councillors would request that developers use traditional blue parking signs instead of the proposed burnt orange signs.
Councillor John Beckett said: “Derby Square and Oak Square are looking shabby. It is in need of refurbishment.”
Mayad Rassam, speaking on behalf of the applicant Rodic Davidson Architects, gave a three-minute speech arguing the case for the development.
“We saw in (Derby Square and Oak Square) an opportunity to reinvigorate the property,” he said.
“We want to create an atmosphere there as a piazza where people can enjoy their leisure time.”
There are currently four trees between the Ebbisham Centre and the High Street.
But Mike Ford, chairman of the Epsom and Ewell Tree Advisory Board, argued against the application on the basis that the tree earmarked for removal to make way for signage was especially important due to its visibility from the High Street.
He added: “(The plans) are uplifting, but the signage has got to be redesigned.
“We could have new signage and we could keep the tree, and we could live in harmony.”
Councillor Jan Mason, argued the refurbishment would tarnish Epsom’s sense of “tradition” – especially if the bronze statue of Galileo, winner of the 2001 Epsom Derby, was removed.
“That is history. That is the thing that we really are famous for around the world,” she said.
“You go in there and see this wonderful statue, this wonderful evocation of speed, but (instead) we are going to have a dirty great umbrella in the middle of the square which, to me, doesn’t lend anything to the square.”
Cllr Mason also argued the rebranding of the two squares, Oak Square and Derby Square, as ‘Epsom Square’ would be confusing.
Councillor Tina Mountain added: “It is such a lost opportunity to retain the identity of Epsom.”
Pic credit: Beyond Communications
Eight councillors conditionally approved the planning application, two voted against it, while one abstained.
“We are not losing a tree,” Councillor Vince Romagnuolo argued. “It is either being relocated or replaced.
“I don’t think we should get hung up on that and lose sight of the greater prize which is the refurbishment of the area, which would be to the benefit of the whole town.”
Alanna Coombes, Town Centre Manager at the council, had told the Epsom Guardian she believed the reinvigorated Epsom Square “could make the heart of Epsom more attractive for shoppers, visitors and people who want a fun day out.”
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