With sales of new flats at Dragon Court in Petersfield under way, the developer has applied to convert ground-floor shop spaces below the new flat, into accommodation, including affordable homes.

Jansons Property managing director Andy Jansons said: “The pandemic acted as a catalyst for change especially in the retail sector, and there has been a shift to online retail.

“At the same time, we’ve seen an increase in the need for affordable homes in town centres.

“There is now a real risk the Dragon Court retail spaces will remain empty unless there is a change of use to accommodation.”

The Dragon Court regeneration project completes this month with final touches being made to the public space including the restoration of the fish pond and the Dragon Street mosaic.

Working with East Hampshire District Council and South Downs National Park, Jansons Property has transformed what was once a rundown car park into 13 new apartment homes.

Mr Jansons added: “It is the result of three years of planning, investment, development, construction and careful consideration of local requirements which is vital when regenerating a brownfield site.

“A great deal of time and effort went into ensuring the site was developed in keeping with the local area, and this involved working closely with planners to ensure high-quality, traditional materials were used in the construction, such as the bricks and roof tiles.”