The Council has published its latest proposals for Wokingham Town Centre. I reproduce below their press release setting out what they wish to do:
“NEXT STEP FORWARD FOR WOKINGHAM REGENERATION
Wokingham Borough Council’s plans for regenerating Wokingham town centre have taken a huge step
forward with the submission of the planning application for the redevelopment of Peach Place.
This phase of the regeneration includes the demolition of the Peach Street buildings between Costa
Coffee and the Redan. The demolished buildings would be replaced by new retail units with apartments
above; a new pedestrianised public square created; new toilets; plus an improved streetscape on Rose
Street with four new houses to replace the brick wall.
Cllr Philip Mirfin, executive member for regeneration and communities, said: “We’ve spent the last
month out and about meeting local residents, businesses and organisations’ previewing our plans and
the feedback has been really positive. People can really see how we’ve changed the plans in response to
the comments they made last year including things like introducing different rooflines, increased
architectural detailing and retaining the Redan, Haka and Marks & Spencer buildings.
“This scheme is all about helping us get the right balance of retail in the town and improving the visitor
experience. Wokingham is crying out for a greater variety and improved mix of shops which will
encourage people to come here. We also need new spaces, away from traffic, where people can relax
and we can hold more of the events which help Wokingham stand out from other locations. These
proposals help us move towards creating the town centre our new and existing residents deserve.
“Now the planning application has been submitted, people will have the opportunity to view the
proposals and submit their comments to the local planning authority as part of the statutory
consultation process. To take into account the Christmas period the planning authority has also agreed
to extend the consultation far beyond the normal four-week consultation period. People will have until
January 30, 2015 to submit any comments about the scheme.
Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WQ
Tel: (0118) 974 6000 Email: communications@wokingham.gov.uk
“We are also making it easier to see the proposals and, in addition to the full suite of application
documents on view at the Shute End planning reception and online, we are also putting copies of key
documents in Shute End reception, Wokingham Library and at the Town Hall where they can be viewed
during normal opening hours. As a major application there are lots of documents to support the
application, some of which are very technical. If you want to get a real grasp of what we’re proposing
and why, I would recommend reading the design and access statement and the planning statement
which provide an excellent overview of the scheme.”
The planning application can be viewed by searching for planning application F/2014/2637 on the
council website at: http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/applications
Following the end of the statutory consultation process, the local planning authority will continue to
review the proposals in light of the comments and it is expected the application will be considered by
the planning committee in spring 2015. Should consent be granted, it is expected that work will start in
late 2016 and be completed in 2018.
Subject to gaining approval, the council will be looking to work with local people on the next steps of
designing the scheme, including looking at things in detail such as the landscaping for the public square,
how public art could be incorporated into the scheme, and creating a design guide for new retailers to
ensure their shop fronts look appropriate for Wokingham. Local residents will also be asked to help
create a name for the new square and the development, which will replace the working title of Peach
Place.
You can keep up to date with the latest news on regeneration projects through its new website:
www.regenerationcompany.co.uk
– ENDS -“