Shopping centre project changes focus to housing
Queensmere plans to be residential-led with less office space
The property company behind the redevelopment of the Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre is now looking to build 2,500 homes on the site, writes David Lee.
British Land outlined its vision for the Slough Central scheme in May last year, declaring its intention to build 1,100 new homes and up to 210,000 sqm of office space.
But the company has now switched its focus to delivering a residential-led scheme, which could see the amount of homes planned for the site more than doubled with office space significantly reduced.
The developer, which is delivering the scheme on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, told the Express the change in approach was not in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen a switch to home-working.
A British Land spokesman said: “The planned redevelopment of the Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre will be coming forward for a fresh round of consultation in the spring with plans now focused on a residential-led mixed-used scheme that can help reinvigorate the existing high street.
“The proposals include new high quality and accessible routes and connections through the town centre with the goal of creating safe and welcoming public spaces.
“The new approach is based on identifying the best solution for the Slough Central site and is not a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Documents from this week’s meeting of Slough Borough Council’s planning committee show British Land is now looking to reduce the amount of new office space on the site to 50,000 sqm with 15,000 sqm of retail, food and beverage space.
The size and make-up of the proposed homes have not yet been confirmed, but some councillors have expressed concerns about the demand for flats.
Conservative councillor Dexter Smith (Colnbrook with Poyle) said: “What we’ve seen with the pandemic is people really need a larger living space with gardens and extra room because they’re having to work from home.
“You’re not getting that if you’re getting presented with a one or two-bedroom flat.”
He added that he was in favour in a reduction of new office space in the town centre.
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.”