A town square criticised for anti-social behaviour is due to undergo a major revamp if plans are approved.

The Chilterns Shopping Centre in High Wycombe is due to be turned into 303 apartments and retails space if the developer’s plans are approved.

Dandara Living is proposing to demolish the 1980s shopping centre to build brand-new rental flats and retail units between Frogmoor and Priory Road, while retaining the Grade II listed historical façade on Queen Square.

As part of the plan, Frogmoor could see a revamp with landscaping and new amenities for the public.

READ MORE: Chilterns Shopping Centre redevelopment plans so far

A new pedestrian passage and square with trees, plants and seating would connect Priory Road to Frogmoor.

The plans, which were submitted to Buckinghamshire Council in October, envision enhancing Frogmoor with new materials, larger areas of soft landscape and a small events space.

New Frogmoor design

The dedicated “dynamic” events space will provide an area for food stalls and seating. It could fit three food vans and a gazebo or mini marquee using the nearby lawn to extend the events area if needed, the plans suggest.

Bucks Free Press: A design plan, showing all public areas in red with Frogmoor to the left of the map and the pedestrian passage through the development onto Priory Road on the rightA design plan, showing all public areas in red with Frogmoor to the left of the map and the pedestrian passage through the development onto Priory Road on the right (Image: Dandara Living)

The lawn area will also provide “an opportunity for local community to relax on a sunny day.”

Planted trees and bio linear paving would add interest, reduce urban heat island effect and help reduce surface water run off, the planning document said.

Circulation routes around the lawn and events space will be left “free of clutter” and made using contrasting paving.

A designated area along Queen Square would allow drop off for commercial deliveries  and service vehicles to the Frogmoor frontages, whilst removable bollards along Frogmoor would “restrict the day to day use of vehicles in the space but provide access to fire tender.”

Existing trees will be retained alongside new specimen dotted on the square for “important shade, environmental benefits and seasonal interest.”

Research suggests Frogmoor could have been the site of the earliest human settlements in High Wycombe.

It was criticised for not being “very pleasant” with street drinkers, pigeon droppings and bird feeding and delivery mopeds, Air Raids Shelter Cafe’s owner Chris Miller told the Free Press.

Buckinghamshire Council has tried to address the street drinking problem, with cabinet member Arif Hussain saying “any future developments in this area will be designed to deter any antisocial behaviour.”

Bucks Free Press: A CGI vision of the pedestrian passage between Frogmoor and Priory Road.A CGI vision of the pedestrian passage between Frogmoor and Priory Road. (Image: Dandara Living)