The historic spires will remain at High Barnet’s shopping centre after plans to bulldoze them caused a stir in the town centre.
Shoppers told the Times Series they would “leave the town” if the iconic spires were to be demolished, under one of two plans to refurbish the centre.
This morning, the centre’s owners said they had responded to calls from the community, and will retain the towers of the former Barnet Methodist Church.
A statement from The Spires said: “We are committed to improving the retail and leisure offer at The Spires Shopping Centre in line with the needs of the local community.
“The facelift to the exterior of the Centre, a more open entrance and improved retail units will help to attract exciting new retailers and restaurants to Barnet.”
Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s are also set to open in the centre, in the empty unit next to the entrance.
William Pears, which took over the centre in a £32million deal last year, is hoping a complete renovation will revive the dwindling centre and attract big name brands to High Barnet.
But after the proposals appeared in a vacant shop window, shoppers said they were “horrific and shocking” though many welcomed news of a refurbishment.
The original planning application has now been delayed to allow shoppers more time to have their say.
The statement added: “We are eager for the local community to be involved in shaping the new look for the centre and have taken all responses into consideration.
“In line with the feedback so far, we are delighted to announce that we will be progressing with a design incorporating the spires.
“We will continue to review responses as they come in and consider further changes to the design.”
The designs, by Leslie Jones Architecture, will remain on display until tomorrow. People can also provide feedback or request further information by contacting thespires@montagu-evans.co.uk.
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