Community Engagement – Phase 1 Consultation (Spring 2009)

• Home
• Your Council
• Consultations
• Surbiton Town Centre Improvement Consultation
• Community Engagement – Phase 1 Consultation (Spring 2009)

To assist us with identifying the key issues facing the town centre, we organised a Press Conference with the local media to publicise the first stage of engagement with the local community as well as organisations with an interest in Surbiton Town Centre. This involved (i) a detailed questionnaire and (ii) Discussion Groups   

The questionnaire was sent out to local residents, businesses and other key interested parties in March 2009. It was promoted in posters on street and made available at the Station, Surbiton Library and in local businesses. Approximately 5000 questionnaires were distributed as follows:

• 2,000 to residents
• 250 to local businesses
• 100 to organisations with an interest in the Town Centre.
• 2,500 at distribution points and handed to visitors, shoppers and commuters in the Town Centre and at local school gates

The closing date for the return of completed questionnaires was 6 April 2009. A total of 1,031 completed questionnaires were returned including 141 online.

Two Discussion Groups were held in Surbiton on 30 April 2009 with those considered to have a key interest in the Surbiton Town Centre. The aim was to look at the key issues that had been raised in the questionnaires, consider the strengths and weaknesses of the town and come up with suggestions and priorities that they would wish to see included in the Improvement Strategy for the Town.  

Some 45 people attended the sessions, representing organisations such as Residents Associations, Physical and Learning Disability groups, English Heritage, Conservation Advisory Group, Cycling and Walking, Public Transport, Young People, Surbiton Festival organisers, together with a number of local businesses.  A representative from Halcrow, the Council’s consultants appointed to assist with the Study attended the Youth Forum to explain the project, answer questions and receive views on the Town Centre from young people  

Organisations with a key interest such as Transport for London, Transport Operators, Chamber of Commerce and English Heritage were also interviewed by Halcrow to seek views.

Full details of the results of the questionnaires, together with the outcomes of the Discussion Group can be accessed here, or hard copies can be obtained Through Environmental Services Contact Centre on 020 8547 5929.

The aim of the questionnaire was to find out views on a range of issues. A broad overview of the responses is given below:

• Frequency and purpose for visiting

  • The majority are regular visitors mainly shopping, followed by accessing the railway station and visiting restaurants.
     

• Means of travel and Vehicle Ownership

  • The highest proportion of respondents (mostly residents) indicated they walked to the Town Centre whilst car ownership is 74%.
     

• What is valued and what is most important

  • The majority valued the Town as a place to shop and visit, closely followed by its architectural styles and historic buildings. The most important issues centred on insufficient choice of shops, closely followed by loss of character (shop frontages).
     

• Desired Improvements

  • The top issues centred on trees/planting seating and the railway station forecourt.  Wider footways, new paving, station access, art and information also featured prominently.
     

• People and Environment

  • The consensus was that the town is safe during the day-time but there was a mixed view about night-time.  Pavements were considered accessible but there were mixed feelings on the condition and adequacy of the width.
     

• Parking and Deliveries

  • A large majority considered that goods vehicles cause congestion. There were no clear views on on-street, off-street and disabled parking.  
     

• Traffic, Public Transport and Cycling

  • Most respondents considered access by car to and from the town to be good. There was some concern about traffic congestion but speeding was not regarded as a problem.  Bus-rail interchange, bus stop locations and access to public transport was considered to be good. The majority of those who had a view on cycling (50%) felt cycle access to/from the rail station was good while on-street or secure cycle parking was inadequate.  

The two Discussion Groups held on 30 April (one in the afternoon and one in the evening) were given the opportunity to discuss in small groups and feedback as follows:

• Strengths and weaknesses of the town Centre
• Top three issues for the town centre
• Top three improvements for the town centre

A summary of the findings of the Discussion Groups is given below:

• Top strengths

  • Cycle parking at rail station
  • Bus and taxi services
  • Transport interchange facilities
  • Architecture/character and the number of bars and cafes.

• Top weaknesses

  • Variety of shops
  • Narrow footways
  • Station forecourt (pedestrian safety)
  • Illegal parking/loading and congestion on Victoria Road
  • Pedestrian safety at the Victoria Road/St. Mark’s Hill roundabout.

• Top issues

  • Pedestrian safety at the Victoria Road/St/ Mark’s Hill Roundabout
  • Poor pavement widths
  • Loss of character through street ‘clutter’ and/or poor shop frontages
  • Station forecourt (pedestrian safety and cycle parking
  • Parking       

• Top suggested improvements

  • Rail station accessibility linking the front car park access through to St. Andrews Road
  • Rail station accessibility (more formal pedestrian provision at the Victoria Road/St. Mark’s Hill roundabout).
  • Pavement widening along Victoria Road
  • Improved appearance and identity of the town centre
  • Removing street clutter along Victoria Road
  • More public space
  • Retain two-way traffic along Victoria Road

If you have any questions please contact us at the Environmental Services Customer Service Centre on 020 8547 5002 or email surbiton.consultation@rbk.kingston.gov.uk.