The main developments Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead are planning for the new year
THE small towns in East Berkshire are going to change as we know as residents will soon see major regeneration work kick in – with thousands of new homes, shops, offices and businesses expected to be built.
From this extensive catalog we have selected the best apps to watch for each respective area as we move into the new year.
Redevelopment of the Queensmere shopping center
What the revamped Slough town center could look like
Arguably one of the biggest planning demands in Slough of this decade will be determined in the New Year after developer British Land submitted the project last month.
Dukes House, Wellington House, 141, 143, 145 and 165 High Street will also be redeveloped as the first phase of major Slough town center transformation projects.
If approved, up to 1,600 new homes, 550 parking spaces, 12,000 m² for retail and leisure, 40,000 m² of offices and space for a potential concert hall or cinema could be built.
Demolition of the 1970s Queensmere Shopping Center could begin in 2023 and the first phase of development, comprising a “bustling” town square and up to 600 homes, could be completed by 2026.
READ MORE: Slough: What will a redeveloped Queensmere mall look like?
When completed by 2036, the new town center could attract 3,200 people to live and work in Slough, 700 jobs will be supported on site – 25% could be for locals – and around £ 20million will be generated in gross wages on site.
Building heights will start from six stories and gradually increase to 12 stories as you move through the renovated downtown area. The tallest buildings will be in the center, reaching 18 breathtaking stories.
The plans also propose new “green neighborhood streets†throughout the city, including new landscaping and trees as well as public spaces.
The Observatory Shopping Center will be redeveloped once Queensmere is completed.
Wateres development in West Windsor
Planning of the Wates development in West Windsor
A planning request is expected next year for developer Wates to build hundreds of homes on green spaces north and south of the A308 near Oakley Green Road.
In the plans, Wates hopes to build 450 homes – 40% of which will be affordable – a special school for about 150 students, open public space, athletic fields and community facilities in West Windsor.
Once the local district plan is adopted, the land, known as AL21, will be removed from the green belt – which enjoys “very special circumstances” protection.
Following concerns over a public consultation conducted by Wates, concerns about traffic on the A308, Dedworth Road and Old Maidenhead Road have been raised.
To facilitate north to south access to the site, a new signposted level crossing on the A308 near Oakley Green Road will be considered. Wates believes that an increase in vehicle movements is expected, but that it is “unlikely” to cause serious damage on the highways.
READ MORE: What did residents say about the plan for 450 homes in West Windsor?
The developer also said the site would have a “10% net biodiversity gain” with the introduction of public spaces to reduce its impact on the greenbelt.
Subdivisions, community orchards, benches, garbage cans, outdoor play areas, a “network†of hiking and cycling trails, and a toucan pedestrian crossing in the middle of the developed site are also being studied.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting in October 2021, Cllr Carole Da Costa (WWRA: Clewer & Dedworth East), said: “This is one of the biggest developments Dedworth has seen in a generation and certainly during my stay here.
“This is the very beginning, and this piece of land has just arrived in Cabinet now. This is when we start to move forward and make sure that our residents in the two neighboring neighborhoods will hear and be encouraged to commit as much as possible to moving forward.
If master plans are approved, the first wave of housing will be delivered in early / mid-2024.
Chemin St Cloud
CG of St Cloud Way apartments
Despite being dubbed a “prison village”, the ruling Tories on the Maidenhead planning committee have given the green light to plans to build 434 houses at the Magnet Leisure Center in Holmanleaze.
It will be transformed into five buildings, ranging from four to 11 stories, and will contain a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes.
The program, which is a joint venture between council and developer Countryside, will see the construction of 349 market units and 87 affordable units, broken down into 33 affordable rents and 54 condominiums.
Throughout the planning process, the project was the subject of controversy where a petition opposing the plans garnered over 1,700 signatures.
READ MORE: Maidenhead: Old Magnet Leisure Center’s 434-apartment plan approved
Petitioner Sajid Khan, who is the secretary of the mosque, feared that the distance between the apartment building and the place of worship was not sufficient and that it “dominated” Islamic trust. He was also concerned about increased traffic on the narrow Holmanleaze.
But Tory advisers felt it was a “good project” for Maidenhead and approved the project.
Now that the development has received panel approval, subject to Covid conditions and regulations, work could start in the spring of next year. Construction could be completed in 2025.