Blog
Spotlight on our new and old towns
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Most towns grow slowly over decades or even centuries, embracing traditional architecture but incorporating new design and planning for future needs. This is especially true across our network area spanning Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Middlesex. Some towns, such as Chesham, have absorbed the old heart of the town within designated conservation areas as organic growth expands outwards. Others, such as the new and old towns of Beaconsfield, scarcely touch and sit almost a mile apart.
But what prompted the growth of distinct, geographically separate new towns in the past? In Amersham, the growth of the “new” town reflected the coming of the railway and the increasing focus on commuting to London. Following the arrival of the Metropolitan Railway, Amersham-on-the-Hill grew rapidly around the station. Ironically, the railway was not popular at the time. Objections from local landowners delayed its construction until 1892, yet the railway station, a mile north of the old market town, provided the basis for Amersham’s prosperity.
Similarly, Beaconsfield station, one mile from the old town, became the focus for the new town when the railway arrived in 1906. Like Amersham, Beaconsfield built on its commuter links with the creation of upmarket family housing and superb schooling, allowing the town to prosper further throughout the 20th century.
New towns often offer different property types with larger, upscale units (both residential and commercial), contemporary design and less dependence on local materials. While old towns in the South East tend to feature a mix of local stone, brick, flint and timber, new towns are less governed by this, using more glass and concrete, although increasingly architecture has come full circle, once again incorporating traditional materials, building design and craftsmanship.
Staines-upon-Thames has had a river crossing since Roman times and became a regular staging post on the way to London with coaching inns and elaborate Georgian shophouses which still line Clarence Street. Church Street and Lammas Lane house the oldest properties, clustered around the parish church of St Mary. The town has however had a massive facelift with major infrastructural developments in recent years giving a whole new look and feel to the town and excellent opportunities for businesses.
It's hard to see exactly where the old and new town begin and end in Chesham, but they are entirely separate council wards. Newtown was a late Victorian housing development to the north of Chesham which has been incorporated into the town. Until the railway’s arrival in 1889, Old Town was the town's centre. Nowadays, St Mary's Church and historic buildings on Church Street and Germain Street, are part of a designated Conservation Area. The pedestrianised High Street retains the character of the old market town and this character was highlighted in a survey of town 'high streets' which rated Chesham highly for its distinctiveness. Considerable expansion of the town has created new housing developments along the steep valley sides and increasingly Chesham has become a commuter town with fast connections to London. The town centre was redeveloped and pedestrianised in the 1990s but further growth is restricted by Green Belt legislation.
Slough does not automatically spring to mind as having an old town but, from the mid-17th century onwards, it was a popular stop for stagecoaches on the journey west from London. It still has 96 listed buildings including St Mary the Virgin Church (Langley), Baylis House, Godolphin Court, Upton Court, Ostrich Inn and King John's Palace (Colnbrook). The best conserved area of old Slough is Herschel Park (known as Upton Park until 1949), and is currently being restored it to its former Victorian glory. It is now very much a case of “in with the new” with a massive redevelopment of Slough’s town centre. £450m is being invested over the next 5 years with new leisure facilities, new housing, commercial developments and infrastructure projects.
From aesthetics to amenities, both old and new towns have a welcome place in the 21st century, often promoting one another’s growth and development. With careful planning, they successfully co-exist and are important elements of a town’s history. To find out more about these and other towns and villages in The Frost Partnership network area see our area guides or contact your local Frost office.
