Aylesburys The Exchange marks milestone moment

Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) and its development partner Durkan have announced a major milestone in their scheme to help with the ongoing transformation of Aylesbury town centre. Construction of The Exchange has been gathering pace and the first phase of the build is now due to be completed during a dedicated ceremony on Thursday (19 April).

The Exchange is the latest stage in AVDC’s regeneration of the town centre. To date it has invested over £110m and, together with Durkan, the District Council is creating brand new spaces for  restaurants, a public square and much-needed homes right in the heart of Aylesbury. 

Thursday’s event will mark the moment the development’s first colonnade is finished, with the countdown now starting towards the completion of the residential part of the scheme in January 2019 and the public square and commercial space later in 2018.

Councillor Neil Blake, Leader of AVDC said, “The topping out ceremony is a very exciting moment and we’re delighted that we’ve reached this important milestone. The development brings housing, leisure and job opportunities right into the heart of the town which is a priority for the council. The new public square, which has been funded by a grant from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) through the Local Growth Fund, recognises the importance of creating high quality spaces as town centres face the challenges of the reducing the need for traditional retail space.”

Fraser Wells, Managing Director of Housing Partnerships, Durkan said, “We’re really pleased to be marking this important stage in a project that will help breathe new life into Aylesbury town centre and to now be looking ahead to its completion. Our partnership with the council has given us the opportunity to not only deliver high quality apartments for local people, but also fresh new public and retail spaces which we know will become a real focal point for the community.”

Hilary Chipping, Acting Chief Executive, SEMLEP said, “The Exchange is an important part of  Aylesbury’s work in transforming the area as the place of choice for entertainment and arts. Cultural, creative and leisure businesses make a major economic contribution to the wider area and investment in this project, will give the town centre a distinctive edge, helping to attract and grow local businesses and jobs in the town.

Construction of the project is now more than halfway through, having kicked off in January 2017. When finished, The Exchange will offer 47 one and two-bedroom apartments for rent and sale. The first phase of apartment sales has already completed with the second phase starting this Autumn. Anybody seeking more information or to register their interest in the new homes should visit www.exchangeaylesbury.co.uk. 

Photo: right - Cllr Sue Renshell with Fraser Wells, Managing Director Housing Partnerships. 

Photo courtesy of Gary Perlmutter Photography

Project partners