Demolition of “one of the worst eyesores in Redhill ” is under way.

Work to demolish council-owned properties between 16 and 46 Cromwell Road began on January 10 with work expected to last until the end of March.

However work is currently stalled for two weeks following the discovery of a previously unknown gas main running through the site on Thursday (February 7).

Natalie Bramhall, Reigate and Banstead borough councillor for Redhill West, believes the regeneration of the area is badly needed.

She said: “It’s been a long time coming and it gets rid of one of the worst eyesores in Redhill. I have been trying to get this moving for a long long time but at last we’re under way finally.”

She added: “The new flats and shops will be offered to local residents and workers as a priority and the council won’t be making any money on the residential side of things.

“We will make the money on renting out the retail areas, but we tend to rent under market value.”

Once the work resumes the pavement in front of the site will need to be closed to complete the demolition work.

Construction of the new five-story building, which will include 16 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom flats with retail units at ground level will then be able to begin with the whole project targeted for completion in early 2021.

Demolition work has begun

Half of the flats will be available under a shared equity scheme , providing a 25 per cent discount on market value.

The businesses that will fill the completed retail units have not yet been confirmed but cllr Bramhall hopes they will meet with public approval .

She said: “We’d be more inclined to rent to local businesses like we did with the Merstham regeneration.

“I’m sure we’re going to ask local residents what they want to see there too when it’s the right time.”

In order to minimise resident disruption, work on the project is planned to take place between 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8am-1pm on Saturdays.

The demolition project in Cromwell Road, Redhill

A Reigate and Banstead Borough Council spokesman said: "We are sorry for any inconvenience the project may cause. The end result will be a modern, attractive development that will create much-needed new homes.

“The money paid from this development will go towards meeting the costs of schemes that deliver affordable housing for a variety of needs.

“Examples of the council’s recent use of developer contributions to deliver affordable housing include emergency accommodation for homeless households and the upcoming development of four affordable, single person homes in Horley.”

“The cost of renting the retail space will depend on market conditions at the time those premises are ready to be let. Full marketing information for the spaces will be made available nearer the time.”