Council confirms plans to buy Aylesbury shopping centre
Friars Square could feature as part of the town centre's regeneration
It's been confirmed that Buckinghamshire Council want to buy Aylesbury's biggest shopping centre.
They have decided to enter into negotiations with Friars Square's owners, saying it could mean significant regeneration would be possible in the town centre.
We revealed last month that the idea was being looked at.
The Council has already sought independent property advice on this and every step made will subject to meticulous legal and financial considerations before any final purchase decision is made.
Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Town Centre Regeneration said:
"Whilst the Centre would be bought as a going concern, we are considering the purchase of Friars Square shopping centre not as a retail investment but as an opportunity to acquire the land for the longer-term future use which will allow the council to bring forward a significant regeneration scheme for Aylesbury town centre.
"The Aylesbury Garden Town Masterplan sets out this ambitious vision for the town centre, part of which is the station quarter."
The Council already owns Hale Leys, through its Aylesbury Vale Estates arm.
If the bid is successful, it would be financed by a Public Works Board Loan, paid back over a period of 40 years.