Paving the way to a better Maidenhead

A coordinated approach to improving Maidenhead's key public areas was approved when cabinet met last night (Thursday 24 November).

A paving masterplan, a public art masterplan and a programme of works have been developed as part of the Maidenhead Public Realm Strategy, endorsed by cabinet two years ago, and follow extensive public consultation and professional advice.

The plans mean paving, art installations, tree planting, additional signage, lighting and street furniture - whether carried out by the council or developers - will adhere to the strategy for streets and spaces.

The public art masterplan will guide the nature and location of artwork in Maidenhead, including a potential installation next to The Bear in the High Street. Consultation and engagement with residents, businesses adjacent to the site and local schools will start shortly. The installation will be funded by monies secured from developers via S106 agreements.

The proposed paving is simple, hard wearing and elegant, selected to complement the buildings and spaces in the town centre. Negotiations have taken place with developers of the Market Street office scheme to use these paving materials and new signage. This will be the first developer-led use of the new paving in the town centre.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, cabinet member for Maidenhead, thanked everyone who contributed to the development of the plans, both inside and outside the council, and in particular the Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead and Maidenhead Town Partnership.

He said: "We all want a better future for Maidenhead's town centre and the public realm strategy is ensuring we are working towards exactly that.

"The paving and art masterplans and programme of works are bringing the strategy to street level and ensuring a considered and coordinated approach."

Other plans for the near future include:
• replacement of tree bases to match the resin base used on new trees in the town centre plus investigating the possibility of planting more trees. This has already started with new resin bases for the lime trees near the station
• installation of more fingerposts and monoliths, particularly on the route to the river and along the Green Way. The blue resin used in the signage, designed to reflect the blue of the Thames, is formed from recycled drinks bottles
• a number of art events
• creative temporary lighting, including investigating lighting the facades of the historic Maidenhead Bridge, a key route to the Olympic events
• paving work in Kidwells Park
• new benches for the town centre.

Looking further ahead, plans include a water feature, although details have not yet been decided.

Over the past year improvements to Maidenhead town centre, all carried out in line with the public realm strategy, have included planting of trees on the High Street and replacement of trees in pots; and the rollout of the wayfinding strategy including six bespoke monolith signs, 18 new fingerposts and six subway signs. A complete inventory of all the street furniture and materials is now available to ensure a coordinated approach.

For further details visit www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/prom_streets_and_spaces.htm

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