If you live at the top end of Addlestone or in Row Town, Ongar Parade is likely your local hub. Built during a time of great post-war change, it represents the era when Addlestone expanded up the hill toward Ottershaw.
1. Born from the Post-War Boom
Before the 1950s, this land was part of the Ongar Farm estate. As the Row Town and Ongar estates grew to house workers from the Weymann’s and Plessey factories, the Parade was designed as a modern, "one-stop" shopping destination.
2. The Architecture of Optimism
Representing classic 1950s/60s commercial style, the Parade was built for the "Motor Age." With wide pavements and dedicated parking, it became a destination for residents who were starting to own cars for the first time.
3. The "Library on the Hill"
For decades, the Addlestone Library branch (Ongar/Row Town) was the social glue of the neighborhood. While library services moved to the town center hub, the building remains a distinct part of the Parade’s skyline.
4. A History of Local Trade
Ongar Parade was once famous for its independent butchers and greengrocers. The Post Office has remained a vital lifeline for over half a century, continuing the tradition of shopkeepers who know their customers by name.
The Gateway to "The Holme"
Acting as the "village square" for the Ongar Place area, the Parade serves as the gateway to the primary school and nearby estates. This created a unique "village within a town" feel that persists in Addlestone to this day.