Royal Borough boosts development opportunity in Maidenhead town centre

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is putting forward four acres of its own land and seeking a development partner as part of its plans for the regeneration of Maidenhead town centre.

The prime-site York Road Opportunity Area is designated for mixed use in the adopted Maidenhead Area Action Plan and will include housing, offices, leisure and public spaces.

Cllr M J Saunders, cabinet member with responsibility for property issues, said the proposal to seek expressions of interest from a development/investment partner underlined the council's determination to drive the rejuvenation of Maidenhead as a shopping and visitor destination.

He said: "We want to develop a strong relationship with a partner who is innovative and has the capacity and funds to match our aspirations for the regeneration of this important area of our town. We also want quality design and build for such a high profile area and fortunately, as the major landowner, the council can push for a scheme that will help restore vibrancy, life and colour to the town centre."

The Area Action Plan - the adopted master plan for regeneration of the town centre - web link: http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/pp_mtc_aap.htm - designates the York Road Opportunity Area for mixed use development. It will make the best use of existing developed land and create much easier access to the York Stream - the local waterway which is the subject of a planning application for an ambitious revitalisation.

The news about York Road is on top of the other 'live' investment and development proposals for Maidenhead, including the West Street hotel and offices, the ING Kings Triangle development of a mixed use retails, office and residential development (now the subject of a planning application) - and pre-planning discussions with the Michael Shanly Group for High Street and the Colonnade, another mixed used residential-led development.

The area action plan's vision is for York Road Opportunity Area to be a 'vibrant, high quality and memorable area around a public square which can host events and through giving more prominence to the rejuvenated York Stream. Surrounding the square will be new homes, offices and community facilities, complementing the existing civic functions.'

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