‘Enhanced and transformed’
Maidenhead: Waterside Quarter scoops Design Award
Maidenhead’s Waterside Quarter has been recognised with an award for its ‘attractive’ and ‘exemplary’ design.
A plaque for the Design Award was presented by Maidenhead Civic Society patron Theresa May to developer Michael Shanly, founder of the Shanly
Group, at a ceremony last Friday.
Waterside Quarter was completed last year and was the final stage of the wider Chapel Arches development across York Stream, including The Picturehouse and Chapel Wharf.
Mrs May said: “It is totally appropriate that the Civic Society which encourages the best in building design should reward this development which has completely transformed and enhanced this area of the town centre.”
Maidenhead Civic Society was founded in 1960 to represent Maidonians on planning policy in the town.
Its Design Award, started in the 1970s, was last awarded more than a decade ago.
A spokesman for the society said its committee had unanimously recommended Waterside Quarter for the award, pointing to its ‘innovative’ design in addition to the developer’s ‘collaboration’ with the community.
They added the development retained ‘nostalgic influences’ from the old Colonnade, demolished in 2018, as well as creating new viewpoints of York Stream and the waterside areas.
Michael Shanly said: “We are extremely proud of the Chapel Arches redevelopment.
“It was an ambitious vision to transform this area of the town and bring the waterways back to life, but with a great team, and likeminded stakeholders, we’ve achieved it.
“To receive this recognition from the Civic Society is an honour.”
Chapel Arches is one of several redevelopments taking place in the town.
Work is ongoing to One Maidenhead (formerly The Landing) in Maidenhead town centre which is set to provide homes and units for new restaurants, in addition to an anticipated redevelopment of the Nicholsons Centre.
Council leader Simon Werner (Lib Dem, Pinkey’s Green) said: “I’ve watched this development from the early planning stage and I’m delighted that it has emerged as a major focal point in our town centre, exceeding expectations.
“I applaud the Civic Society’s decision to reward it with their design award.”
Civic Society planning chair, Martin McNamee, said: “With 182 new homes and a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes and offices, Shanly Homes has brought an exceptionally attractive new neighbourhood to the town centre in exemplary fashion.
“The Civic Society would welcome more developments of this quality and standard as regeneration continues.”
The Design Award presentation was attended by MP Theresa May, Michael Shanly, former Maidenhead Civil Society chair Bob Dulson and other members of the civil society.