Plans to redevelop town centre submitted to council

How the Swan shopping centre could look if the proposals are approved

Proposals which would "breathe new life" into Leatherhead town centre have been submitted to council planners.

Mole Valley District Council and Kier Property have been working together on the project which they say would regenerate the High Street, Swan shopping centre and Bull Hill area.

The council and Kier Property announced on Thursday they had applied for planning permission for the project after "two years of design development as well as extensive engagement with the community".

The application first needs to be validated by the planning department so is not yet available to view online. Due to the size of the plans, it is expected to be several weeks before the public can view them.

A spokesperson for the project, called The Leret Partnership, said investment in the area would reverse the trend of brands leaving the town and shops closing.

How the Swan shopping centre looks now

Developers say they want to "open up" the main entrance of the Swan shopping centre in the hope of bringing "quality chains and independent restaurants" to the Surrey town.

It would also include a cinema and a bowling alley to provide "a great new entertainment offering" in the town centre.

Meanwhile at Bull Hill, they plan to build 450 new homes, office space, a public park, a multi-storey car park and potentially a community hub.

A statement on the partnership's website says: "The proposals mark an important step in the Transform Leatherhead programme – Mole Valley District Council's long-term vision to strengthen Leatherhead's distinct character and create a lively, welcoming town centre for people to live, work and spend time."