The approval of a planning application for Future Works buildings has brought the Heart of Slough vision one step closer to reality; the council has said today (11 March).
The approval of a planning application for Future Works buildings has brought the Heart of Slough vision one step closer to reality; the council has said today (11 March).
Last night the council’s planning committee approved two new buildings on the Future Works site, completing the campus with offices and ground-level leisure and restaurant space.
Station Square, is the third quarter of the original Heart of Slough vision to be finalised – following the completion of the iconic new library and cultural building, The Curve and the opening of the twin hotels and apartments on the southern side of the A4.
The Station Square site also includes the award-winning Porter Building and approved office developments on the former Octagon building.
The Heart of Slough programme was started in 2004 and was an innovative regeneration project to completely transform the major junction of the A4 and Stoke Road and William Street.
Previously a large, congestion-causing roundabout, with pedestrian-unfriendly underpasses, the roads were the first to be transformed; removing the roundabout and creating a multi-way junction, with safe, surface level crossings for pedestrians.
Since its inception, the Heart of Slough has brought more than £400 million of public and private investment into the town.
The final quarter – the old Thames Valley University site on the north west quadrant – will also be the site of a multi-million pound regeneration of homes, leisure and employment spaces with a planning application expected in the summer.
And there is good news for the rest of the town centre area with British Land – asset and development managers of the QueensmereObservatory shopping centres – reconfirming their commitment to the regeneration of the town centre and working with the council on their proposals; their plans now focusing on a residential-led development with fresh consultation with residents this spring and a planning application expected in the autumn.
Councillor James Swindlehurst, Leader of Slough Borough Council said: “This is an exciting time for Slough and confidence remains high in the town’s economic recovery from covid and our long-held aspirations to transform central Slough into a vibrant, welcoming and attractive space with a high quality public realm and iconic new buildings.
“With the green light given for the completion of Station Square, plans being submitted for the regeneration of the Thames Valley University site and the welcome news British Land will be submitting plans for the Queensmere Observatory Shopping centres this autumn, residents can look forward to an exciting future.”
Councillor Pavitar K. Mann, Lead Member for Planning and Regulation said: “These schemes are the latest steps in providing a better future for our town and expanded opportunities for residents.
“While other major regeneration schemes across the UK have been paused or stopped entirely Slough’s underlying strengths, which we have harnessed, developed and built upon, mean confidence remains high in our recovery out of covid and our future and millions of pounds of private investment flowing into our town centre and major redevelopment schemes.”