From car park to a plaza with fountain
Maidenhead: Library Square opens with craft beer, wine, tapas and bootcamp
A new public plaza at a town centre regeneration scheme was opened by Maidenhead MP Theresa May last week.
Watermark is a £94million project being constructed by developer Countryside, alongside the Royal Borough council.
Former Prime Minister Mrs May joined council leader Cllr Andrew Johnson and Malcolm Wood, project director for Countryside, at a ceremony on Friday.
The public plaza – called Library Square and located next to the waterways – is the latest addition to the development following the release of two apartment blocks in St Ives Road which also forms part of the development.
Construction on the 229home scheme began in March 2019, with the first residents moving into the development in spring 2021.
New retail units are set to
open around the square and comprise of brewery A Hoppy Place, and wine and tapas restaurant Masters.
Anytime Fitness, a 24-hour gym, was also officially opened by Mrs May on the day of the ceremony, as well as a new fountain implemented by Countryside at the square.
On Saturday, a launch event for the public was held at the square where people could try out samples from the retailers soon set to open at the location, including wine, charcuterie and craft beer.
Meanwhile, a bootcamp
workout gave a taster for those interested in the new gym, and also attending were the Friends of Maidenhead Waterways, who have played a key role in restoring York Stream.
Car rental firm Enterprise was at the event as well having helped to launch the town’s first car club at the regeneration scheme.
Daniel King, Countryside managing director for the Thames Valley, said: “As the centrepiece of our regeneration, we are proud to officially open the new public square at Watermark which will become
a new social hub for residents and Maidonians.
“Formerly a council car park, we are proud of the transformation that has seen Watermark bring new life to an underserved part of the town through a vibrant mix of new homes and retailers, and we’re looking forward to further realising this vision for Maidenhead in partnership with the Royal Borough.”
Cllr Johnson added: “The official opening of the new public square marks another major step along our regeneration journey, with its illuminated water features and high-quality finish enhancing the setting of the new and existing buildings in the area and providing a high quality focal point for the whole community to enjoy, including visitors to our library and the new businesses.
“The council, in partnership with Countryside, is driving forward the transformational regeneration of Maidenhead town centre, with Watermark and other redevelopment schemes bringing new homes, jobs and community facilities that enhance the vibrancy of the wider area and support further major investment.
“Watermark includes affordable homes across a range of tenures, as well as commercial space that complements existing retail and £1m of developer contributions to improve community facilities, infrastructure and public realm.”