Maidenhead town centre regeneration takes another step forward

[RBWM Press Release]

Construction of the next crucial phase in the regeneration of Maidenhead town centre is set to start this summer, after a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to secure the remaining land needed was confirmed by an independent Planning Inspector.
 

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is working with developer, HUB, to bring forward The Landing, a mixed-used scheme including 431 new homes, along with extensive accommodation for office, retail, business and community use, and associated works.
 

With planning permission already in place, the council made the CPO in September 2020 to acquire the remaining plots of land within the wider triangle-shaped scheme area, which is bounded to the north by the Broadway, to the west by King Street, and to the south and east by Queen Street.
 

In confirming the order after a public inquiry and site visits held in June, Planning Inspector Peter Rose concluded that the CPO provided certainty that the outstanding acquisitions can be completed without undue delay and thereby unlock the significant public benefits likely to be arising from this major investment.
 

Councillor Andrew Johnson, leader of the council and cabinet member for business, economic development and property, said: “This is great news for the whole borough. We always seek initially to acquire land through private agreement, however we aren’t afraid to use CPO powers as a last resort and we’re pleased the Inspector has agreed there was a ‘compelling case in the public interest’.
 

“In making his decision, the Inspector also described the scheme as ‘much needed’ and recognised it as a major capital investment and a long-standing regeneration ambition of the council, providing homes, jobs and other facilities that will considerably improve the local environment and enhance the vibrancy of the town centre.
 

“This crucial decision will enable the comprehensive redevelopment of this key site in Maidenhead town centre to move ahead for the benefit of the whole borough, and it’s very promising to see the project get that endorsement and take another step forward.”
 

Damien Sharkey, MD of HUB, said: “We are pleased to be moving forward with our programme and starting construction on site this summer. The Landing will deliver a fantastic new place to live and work in the heart of Maidenhead town centre.”
 

Notes:
The Inspector said no alternative proposals were presented to the inquiry and was satisfied that the purpose for which the council was proposing to acquire the land could not be achieved by any other means.
He said the council’s evidence clearly demonstrated that the order was a last resort to complete the land assembly required and that confirmation was necessary for the scheme to be taken forward.