Eagle Quarter Newbury Development Tracker
This page provides an up-to-date overview of the Eagle Quarter redevelopment, centred on the former Kennet Centre site in Newbury, Berkshire. It tracks planning status, development proposals, demolition progress and key scheme elements.
Current Planning Status
As of early 2026, a revised planning application (ref 25/00391/FULMAJ) was being considered by West Berkshire Council. Officers recommended planning permission be granted subject to a Section 106 Agreement and conditions, for partial demolition of the existing Kennet Centre and redevelopment of the site.
Demolition preparation and clearance of the old shopping centre buildings has been reported as underway as part of broader site preparation.
Planning permission has not yet been fully confirmed by an official decision notice available in the public record.
Proposed Development Details
The latest scheme considered by the planning committee would include:
Residential
- Approx. 317 new homes, including a mix of private sale and Build-to-Rent units.
- The residential elements were designed to replace most of the existing commercial structure on the site.
Commercial / Retail
- New flexible Class E commercial units at street level fronting Bartholomew Street and Market Place.
- Refurbished commercial space integrated with the retained Vue Cinema block.
- Combined new and refurbished commercial space totalling over 5,200 sqm.
Site Works
- Partial demolition of the existing Kennet Centre structures.
- Retention of the multi-storey car park and Vue Cinema, with internal reconfiguration.
- Landscaping, access improvements, cycle parking and public realm enhancements proposed as part of the redevelopment.
Housing and Retail Summary (Proposed)
| Element | Proposed |
|---|---|
| Residential units | ~317 dwellings |
| Retail / commercial units | Multiple flexible Class E units totalling ~5,218 sqm |
| Demolition | Partial demolition underway; Kennet Centre structures being cleared |
No confirmed affordable housing figures or final construction timeline have been published in public planning records.
Demolition and Site Preparation
Local reporting and community updates indicate that the Kennet Centre has been boarded up and demolition preparation work is in progress, with clearance expected to take several months prior to the start of main construction works.
Why This Matters
The redevelopment of the Kennet Centre as Eagle Quarter seeks to transform a long-declining town-centre shopping site into a new residential and commercial neighbourhood. Delivering new homes in a central, sustainable location supports housing supply in West Berkshire. The mix of uses also aims to reinvigorate Newbury’s high street and improve pedestrian connectivity.
Latest Updates
For detailed planning updates, appeal decisions and news summaries, refer to:
This tracker page will be updated as confirmed planning decisions, construction milestones or official developer announcements are published.
About This Tracker
This overview summarises publicly available information and planning documents relating to the Eagle Quarter redevelopment. It is independent and not affiliated with the developer, the local authority, or any commercial stakeholder.