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Comer Homes has stated it is 'totally commited' to demolishing Winchester House
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Winchester House developers 'totally committed' to revamp project

By Hugh Fort
February 18, 2013

Developers behind a plan to revamp one of Bracknell’s most unpopular buildings say they are ‘totally committed’ to the project.

Staff from Comer Homes have confirmed they are still working on plans for a new block to replace Winchester House in Market Place – better known as the former 3M building.

No new application has materialised since plans for 311 apartments were thrown out in July after the developers failed to meet a deadline for a piece of vital paperwork.

'3M building' plans thrown out

But Rob Sheppard, senior engineer for Comer Homes, said: “Comer Group remain completely committed to developing this site and are keen to expedite the remaining matters.

Comer Homes' radical plans for 3M building

“Our team is in detailed discussions with the council and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP), regarding the most appropriate route to get the construction process for this site moving forward.

“Additional studies have been actively progressing in the interim to satisfy the various requirements of the council’s officers.”

Last summer, the company submitted proposals to replace the unsightly building with a block of flats and replacing the adjoining car park.

Winchester House rotting away

Permission is in place for a revamp of the car park but the company failed to meet a deadline set by Bracknell Forest Council for an environment impact statement, which meant plans for the apartments had to be refused.

Rob added: “We hope the final planning permission for this site will be approved without any unnecessary delay.

“We are of course aware that construction works at this site would create a substantial new job source, which is much needed in the area.”

He added the company was ‘in the hands of the council’ with regard to a timescale for the project but stressed everyone at Comer Homes was keen to start work as soon as possible if planning permission is granted.

With the long-awaited regeneration of Bracknell town centre due to start in the summer, members of the council and BRP will be keen not to have the 1970s’ office block, which 3M left in 2003, looming over the new development.

Councillor Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration, said: “I look forward to Comer Homes working with the planning department on a new application – the regeneration of Bracknell town centre will be amazing, and I very much hope Comer Homes will submit its plans for Winchester House very soon.”

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Most recent user comments 14 of 14

http://tinyurl.com/comer-uganda

Evict, clear, and hope the problem goes away.

Some of the vehicles they use:

http://company-director-check.co.uk/director/906562246

Looks impressive but all limited liability 'off the shelf companies' and they seem to drop off the bottom, liquidated, insolvent, etc. I'm not a businessman so wonder if this is how businesses operate?

timespassing
26/02/2013 at 21:06

About plans for tower blocks of flats on the Winchester House site - here is a gem about the town centre plans - from when I asked where all the housing was going to go. There is lots spread around in the in the currently approved plan, but the current exhibition was showing just a lot of big shops and no housing. The answer I got was that the new housing will all be on the Winchester house site. I guess that means just add a few more floors - so that's allright then.

Newtowner, Priestwood
23/02/2013 at 15:49

I didn't know Comer Homes had such a bad reputation! Based on those links and the previous rejected planning application, I getting more and more convinced that BRP should take it back via CPO and then tear it down to enlarge the current Market place. I cannot image to have the rotten Winchester House overlooking the New Town Centre or worst a new "monster" that could be ending up to be half empty.

PRB, Bracknell
22/02/2013 at 08:42

Put an easier way:

http://tinyurl.com/a4kf4x6

HK, bracknell
21/02/2013 at 07:18

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Westmoreland+House&hl=en&tbo=u&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=YzoiUdKpEtGN0wXuhIHQAw&ved=0CDMQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=643#imgrc=_

That's what Comer have done in Bristol - lovely!!

HK, bracknell
18/02/2013 at 14:30

Clean lines? Have you seen Bracknell town centre recently? It's as though a child puked a load of Lego over the place.

You can't preserve a town in aspic. I've heard this argument locally before - and it makes no sense. There are some fantastic examples of civic art around Bracknell though and let's hope they are preserved. The bottom line is that what appeals to one generation doesn't necessarily mean it will appeal to everyone.

I love certain aspects of the Victorian era - do I want them to remain in existence today? No because everything moves on and changes. I may hark back to the glories of my youth and think all current music is rubbish in comparison. Do I want my life to be a simulacrum of the 90's? No, because I've grown up and my priorities have changed. If things didn't change, evolve, and get replaced we'd still be living in caves eating Mammoth and dying at the age of 35.

Winstanley, Bracknell
18/02/2013 at 14:21

Bracknell new town was defined by the high rise office blocks constructed in the 1970s and 1980s. These iconic buildings should be renovated and preserved as part of Bracknell's history.

We don't want their clean lines replaced by the fussy architecture of current new builds.

PoneRana, Wokingham
18/02/2013 at 14:08

Completely agree. Flatten it until such time as building is ready to commence.

Re-open as a temporary market/public space sort of area.

Can GB do a poll and present the findings to BFC?

Beef, Bracknell
18/02/2013 at 12:58

Anyone remember this.....

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/89349115/Bracknell-Town-Centre-Masterplan

From 2002! FFS

Winstanley, Bracknell
18/02/2013 at 12:54

Here's another one http://www.bristol.gov.uk/press/planning-and-building-regulations/compulsory-purchase-carriageworks-and-westmoreland-house Comers Homes blighted this area for 25 years before the council put a compulsory purchase order on it. I for one will be watching any application from these developers and will be asking questions if it is at variance with accepted planning requirements. Whatever goes up on this site is something we will have to look at and live with for years. These councillors at the end of the day should remember they represent us and not their peculiar self-aggrandisement.

timespassing
18/02/2013 at 12:16

Flatten it the way they did the shop units next to it - until a decision is made. I wince every time I see it...

WhySoSerious, Bracknell
18/02/2013 at 12:09

I have a better idea, let's have a massive game of 'Strike it Lucky' or 'Celebrity Squares'.

Failling that, Connect 4?

Beef, Bracknell
18/02/2013 at 11:40

I hope Marc B-W and co at BFC do their homework with regards to this bunch of property spivs.

"The developer of an unfinished apartment block that has been an “eyesore” on the Harrow skyline for more than four years is trying to sell it" - Sept 2012

http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/9950734.Bradstowe_House__eyesore__on_verge_of_sale/

Seems Comer Homes made the same promises to Harrow that they've made to BFC - but fail to deliver years later and the usual stories of fees and plans failing to materialise on time.

Wake up BFC! CPO the damn thing, raze it, and let's take a bit of pride in our town instead of leaving it to the machinations of predatory businesses and self-serving politicians.

Winstanley, Bracknell
18/02/2013 at 11:09

I still think it should either be grade II listed or any redevelopment limited to 7 floors, high rise was wrong, a mistake, we must not make the same mistake again