UK town to get major £1.4m transformation - abandoned part of town centre demolished
A major part of a town centre was demolished for a new housing development
Surrey Town centre as many of its residents know, has seen a significant change as part of its town has been demolished, with the council hoping to regenerate the land into a large housing development.
The Allders building in the centre of Camberley is now rubble. Surrey Heath Borough Council announced this week that the demolition of the building alongside surrounding derelict properties on the road is complete.
Work on London Road began back in November 2025 and included what the council describe as "complex" asbestos removal.
The demolition of these buildings is seen as a key part of Surrey Heath Borough Council's (SHBC) wider plans to regenerate Camberley town centre.
Plans to transform Camberley town centre have been boosted by £1.4 million in Government funding. Surrey Heath Borough Council secured the money through the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2) in October 2024 to help drive the regeneration project forward.
Speaking on the completed demolition, Councillor Kel Finan-Cooke, SHBC Portfolio Holder for Property and Economic Development, said: "On behalf of the council, I would like to thank our contractor, Collard Group, for the safe and effective delivery of this significant project in the heart of Camberley.
"Completing these works on schedule and to a high standard is a great achievement, particularly given the complexity of operating within a town centre setting.
"The removal of these buildings makes the site significantly more attractive to prospective developers, supporting our ambitions to drive regeneration and bring forward improvements for Camberley town centre."
The council highlighted that materials from the demolition have been recycled at Collard's specialist recycling facility rather than being sent to landfill.
The Allders building was once a familiar landmark in Camberley town centre. Originally built in the early 20th century, it first housed the James Page department store before later becoming Allders.
For many local residents, the store was a key part of the town's shopping scene throughout the 1990s. It sold everything from clothing and fabrics to household goods, and became well known for its eye-catching seasonal window displays.
