Ambitious plans to transform Eden Walk have been approved despite fears it will block a key pedestrian route through Kingston town centre.

The Western Mall walkway connecting Union Street to the square outside Marks and Spencer will be replaced with a major ‘anchor store’ developers hope will attract more shoppers.

John Adams, speaking for University Superannuation Scheme which owns Eden Walk, said the current arcade fails to meet the needs of retailers, and the redesign would strengthen shops in Union Street and Crown Arcade.

However, Hugo Nowell, an urban designer from Hampton Wick, said: “I’m objecting to the fact residents and shoppers will lose easy access to walk from the historic Market Place to Eden Street.

“This is the most direct route anybody would take.

“This is a short-term solution that causes a long-term problem for many people to not have the freedom to walk through the town to access one part of town to another.”

Councillors who approved the plans on Wednesday, July 20, asked that the store’s tenants retain a “clear, legible and straight” route through the store, although it would only be accessible during store opening hours.

Some councillors raised fears the route could be designed to encourage shoppers to spend money, and could be awkward for mothers with young children or people with disabilities.

However, the developers will contribute £111,000 towards a possible diagonal walkway across Memorial Gardens.

The applicants said fashion and home ware retailers have shown a strong interest in the new store, which should open by Christmas 2012.

Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Marks and Spencer, BHS, Boots and Sainsbury’s were among the scheme’s supporters.

Councillor Dennis Doe said: “The Eden Walk area is tired. I did not think it was that tired until I saw what the alternative was.

“What’s happening here is exciting. The idea of bringing a whole new life to Union Street is a good thing.”