Regenerating High Wycombe: Plans to transform The Curve

The proposal could see the ‘The Curve’ building along Oxford Street and Abbey Way turn into a food court with roughly 70 living spaces above.

Whilst the idea is still in its infancy, there are plans to develop areas of Frogmoor and the underpass next to the flyover that goes into the centre of the town.

Other ideas include introducing new food outlets that focus on dishes that aren’t accessible in the area, as well as making parts of the centre more family-friendly.

A view of the building from Frogmoor (Image: NA)

The Curve has been empty since 2012, with the building once a popular nightclub.

Elad Farkash, who is the director of Morphuse Construction which will lead the project, told the Free Press: “We believe we know what High Wycombe requires and there are several issues that we wanted to tackle as part of the scheme.

“The building itself apart from being completely run down and derelict internally has had a lot of unpleasant occupants since it became empty 12 years ago.

“The areas that we have identified include anti-social behaviour such as drug dealing and drug use next to the building.

“Also, the underpass leading to the Travelodge can sometimes not be a very friendly passage to use.

“We want to bring new energy into the town centre for residents.

'The Yard' in High Wycombe will be a hub for members of the public to enjoy (Image: NA)

“This also means new opportunities for anyone who will be in the town centre.

“There is also a lack of places for good food in High Wycombe, and I’m not talking about chicken shops or pizza places as there are many of those in abundance.

“We plan to turn the ground floor of the Curve into a food hall, then there is a charity hub, and above that, 70 apartments.”

No formal planning application has been submitted to Buckinghamshire Council, but it has been confirmed that the feedback from several councillors ‘was quite positive’.

The designs of what parts of the town centre could look like are now in their final stages.

Ivana Stanisic, who is also part of the development team, added: “In recent years, there haven’t been many additions to High Wycombe that focus on the town’s historical architecture.

“We want to bring a completely new and revamped whilst the architecture will be respectful to the history of High Wycombe.

“This new space will offer and support new businesses.”

Members of the public can express their views on the plans at a public consultation which will be held at the Front Room Café along Castle Street.

Those who visit the café between March 11 and March 29 will be able to see some of the plans and will be able to discuss with those involved in the project.

Additionally, one of the planners of the regeneration plans will be able to discuss to residents about the project on March 28.