Waiting for regeneration decision

TOWN CENTRE: A key decision regarding a Maidenhead town centre regeneration scheme is likely to be made early next year.

In October, a three-day public inquiry was held at the town hall concerning the planned Nicholsons Centre redevelopment, which will see the shopping complex torn down and replaced with hundreds of new flats, offices and retail.

The hearing related to a compulsory purchase order (CPO) issued by the Royal Borough as it looks to take control of the development site.

These are used by authorities to acquire land for development, but despite reaching agreements for much of the space, it has been unable to do so with some third parties, including Smokeys Nightclub and WH Smith.

The inquiry was formally closed on November 14 and the planning inspector will now be writing his decision on whether the CPO is confirmed – which should be issued within eight weeks.