The Opportunity

The Opportunity

The site of The Liberty has always played a key role in Romford’s economic and social prosperity. The centre stands on the original location of the historic Romford Market, which was established in 1247. While how we shop has evolved, retail has always been at the core of Romford’s town centre, and we want to ensure The Liberty continues to play a key role for years to come. 

The Liberty site is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver positive regeneration at the heart of Romford. Its scale and location – between the Market Place, South Street, and Western Road – mean it can connect the town centre together, creating new homes, shops, public spaces, and green links that support Romford’s growth and identity.

Aerial image of the site

The story so far 

Since acquiring The Liberty in 2022, Redical has undertaken a programme of investment to enhance and evolve the centre, ensuring it continues to make an important contribution to Romford’s town centre. Redical’s mission is to provide a destination that is vibrant, welcoming, and Proud to be Romford. 

Already, several million pounds have been invested to enhance your experience at The Liberty: 

New entrances & signage – welcoming spaces and clear wayfinding  

New digital screens – better communication and atmosphere  

Exciting new brands for Romford, including: Black Sheep Coffee, Rituals, Pandora, Miniso, Pret A Manger and Lovisa  

CCTV & security upgrades – a safer environment for everyone  

Car park improvements – smoother, more convenient visits  

Retaining top names like River Island, EE, and Pandora, who have invested in refreshed stores 

Investment so far

Supporting Romford’s economy 

The proposals will deliver socio-economic benefits including: 

Socio-economic benefits icons-01

During construction:

1,120 direct jobs per year (i.e. on-site)
370 indirect jobs per year (i.e. supply chain roles).

Socio-economic benefits icons-01

Future operations of new shops, food, and leisure:

Assuming 5,432sqm of retail / food and beverage
space, this is expected to generate:

265 direct jobs

55 indirect job

£500,000 in annual expenditure by direct employees

£3.6 million in annual expenditure by households

Increased footfall and a vibrant night-time economy will attract visitors, support existing visitors, and help Romford remain a thriving shopping destination.

Did you know

Redical is also investing in Romford beyond the shopping centre:

  • £50,000 to the My Local Bobby programme for extra on-site community security
  • Proud sponsor of Romford FC, helping support grassroots sport and local pride

Redical has an ongoing commitment to Romford, with a future investment plan that includes

  • £10.8m into new brands and activating vacant spaces (shared Redical and Brand investment)
  • £2.4m into mall enhancements, customer experience, new seating, lighting, greenery, and improved car parking
  • £180m into Phase 1

Investing in local infrastructure

As part of the planning process, the project will deliver Section 106 contributions – this is a funding agreement to Havering Council that supports local services and infrastructure.

This may include investment in:

  • Healthcare provision, helping to meet the needs of a growing community.
  • School places and education facilities, supporting families and young people.
  • Public realm and transport improvements, making Romford safer and more accessible.

This will ensure an increase of housing provision is matched with infrastructure capacity

Current issues & opportunities for change 

Current issues & opportunities for change graphic

Stay informed

Evolving The Liberty and the wider town centre will take exciting ideas and careful planning. That’s why we’re committed to keeping everyone informed, involved, and included – every step of the way.  

You can also sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date with this project.