Raven’s vision for the future of Preston
Our emerging proposals for Preston focus on providing homes that are fit for the future and creating a neighbourhood that better meets local needs, both now and in the future.
We’ve carefully reviewed every home we own in the area - looking not only at the condition of the buildings, but also at how well they work for residents and users now and in the years ahead.
Redevelopment would allow us to provide homes that are fit for the future, while also delivering the wider improvements residents have told us they want in Preston, such as more shops, better shared spaces, and places to gather.
Rebuilding these homes offers the best long-term solution – giving current residents the chance to return to brand-new, high-quality homes while also creating additional housing to meet local needs.
Alongside new and improved homes, the proposals aim to:
Revitalise Marbles Way and create a new local centre at Merland Green, with modern shops and complementary community spaces.
Provide a range of housing to meet the needs of the local community.
Enhance green spaces – celebrating woodlands, play areas, food growing, and safe, sociable places.
Improve pedestrian links and signage between new and existing facilities and areas.
Your feedback and how we’re using it
Raven’s ambitions and key goals reflect feedback received from rounds of community engagement in September 2024 and July 2025. You told us:
You want the quality and maintenance of Raven homes and open spaces improved
You want to feel safer and anti-social behaviour is a concern
You want investment in activities and facilities for young people
You want to feel a greater sense of community
You want more and improved local shops and facilities
You want to see parking improvements and better pedestrian and cycling links.
Many of the concerns people raised are linked, including safety, anti-social behaviour and spaces not being used well. By making some key improvements to green spaces, shared areas and existing Raven homes, shops and local facilities, we can deliver far-reaching benefits that respond to multiple challenges at once.
Our emerging proposals include:
Ongoing investment in existing Raven homes to make them fit for the future
Improved walking and cycling routes, better lighting and clearer signage
Enhanced open and green spaces with designated open, play and relaxation spaces
Well-designed new homes and buildings that are fit for the future and sustainable
Places and things for young people to do – designed with and by young people.
These changes will help renew pride in the area, make spaces more welcoming and give people more reasons to use them. By working together with the community, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Surrey County Council and other service providers, Raven can make improvements that add up to big benefits for everyone.
Improving Preston’s open and green spaces
Preston is already a very green area and our emerging proposals would build on what is here. Feedback from the local community in 2024 and 2025 said that improving open and green areas is a priority for many in the area.
Our plans are inspired by Preston’s original designs from the 1940s and 50s - the patchwork of woodlands and existing food and fruit growing. We also want to maximise opportunities for outside spaces to be used safely and sociably and to encourage various play options for children of all ages.
The emerging proposals will include investments in open and green spaces in response to community feedback. However, Raven can’t do it alone. To help deliver these improvements, we will be working closely with our partners, including Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Surrey County Council and other local service providers, to ensure we focus on the improvements that matter most to you, which could include:
Vibrant and active public square outside new Marbles Way shops for events and activities, such as markets
Locating shops and community facilities together at two enhanced local centres at Merland Green and Marbles Way
Reducing the dominance of roads in Preston by creating shared spaces that prioritise people
Enhanced parks, grassed areas and verges with a focus on green pedestrian and cycle routes
Windows in new buildings designed with views outside to increase safety for passers-by and reduce anti-social behaviour
Improved visibility so people feel safer and accessibility for everyone in the community.