NEXT and Wagamama have topped Redhill residents' wish list of big-name brands they want to open in the town.
In the week Sports Direct opened in Queensway, and rumours of grilled chicken chain Nando's keen to expand in Surrey, residents have revealed what they think will make Redhill a shopping and dining destination.
A survey organised by Redhill Conservative councillors and completed by 400 people, found retailers Next, John Lewis and H&M were in highest demand in Redhill. For restaurants, Wagamama, Nando's and Pizza Express were the most popular answers.
Respondents also wanted to see more independent shops and eateries in the town.
Councillor for Redhill West Julian Ellacott said: "There was a really diverse range of responses.
"What is really important is to have a mix. The survey did show this really well, there's a demand for young adult-type restaurants, some young family places and more higher end restaurants."
The survey was taken as developers are close to submitting plans for the regeneration of the Marketfield Way site, which is set to include a six-screen cinema, four shops and four restaurants. The Mirror understands that Nando's is interested in occupying one of the restaurants, although no official comment from the chicken chain has been forthcoming.
The project is expected to be finished by December 2016.
Meanwhile, progress is being made on the Balanced Network scheme, converting the town's one-way system to two-way and making it more cycle and pedestrian friendly.
Work at Memorial Park is scheduled to be finished in September, just as the diggers move in to start work on the multimillion-pound Sainsbury's development.
Mr Ellacott also told the Mirror Sainsbury's parking plan included free parking after 6pm, which, along with new restaurants, would help boost Redhill's night-time economy.
Mr Ellacott added it had not been intentional for all developments to be happening at the same time, but residents should start to see improvements as roads are re-laid and new kerbs, pavements, and road signs are installed.
Sports Direct opened on Saturday, providing almost 40 new jobs.
Mr Ellacott was optimistic it would improve footfall in the town, saying: "A certain amount of people will come in just for that.
"Rather than going to Crawley, they will come into Redhill. It'll bring in benefits to the other retailers too as people will stay around."
The results of the survey, which also called for Debenhams, Primark, Wahaca and Jamie's, will be sent to developers Coplan Estates to consider.
