Planning approval has been granted in principle for York Road, a scheme designed by leading architectural practice Conran and Partners for a new active hub and residential quarter in Maidenhead. The committee report stated how the proposed development – which marks the first phase of plans to revitalise the town centre – “would contribute to the regeneration and revitalisation of Maidenhead Town Centre” and provide an “enhanced town centre environment with improved connectivity, accessibility and legibility.”
York Road is part of a wider regeneration proposal from the Maidenhead Development Partnership – a joint venture between the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and Countryside Properties – to redevelop four council-owned sites in the town centre, covering more than six hectares. The overall regeneration will transform the centre of Maidenhead over the next decade and provide an additional 1,200 homes.
As architects and masterplanners, Conran and Partners’ proposal aims to create a transformed civic heart for Maidenhead, providing an enhanced setting for the Town Hall and Grade II listed Library with public spaces, restaurants and cafés, increased connectivity to the wider area and a new residential development of 229 homes.
To contrast with the linear streetscapes, the design seeks to establish an open ‘campus’ feel around a new library square. As well as providing additional green space, this will form part of a wider design approach to improve connectivity to York Stream, where a new frontage will bring greenery, vitality and a space for the public to live, work and socialise. The committee report noted how the waterside development would “conserve the biodiversity setting” and promote “the continuous pedestrian and cycle access along the waterside whilst improving access to the waterside for all.
Victoria Whenray, Director, Conran and Partners, comments:
“We are delighted by the council’s decision to approve our proposal for this most strategic town centre site – the scheme marks the start of one of the most important development opportunities for Maidenhead in a long while, and one which will be strengthened by the opening of the Elizabeth Line in 2019. Key to our proposal was the careful consideration and integration of the existing adjacent heritage and civic buildings, as well as enlivening the waterway to create a re-vitalised centre and new residential neighbourhood for Maidenhead.”
Cllr Simon Dudley, leader of the council and lead member for Maidenhead regeneration, said:
“I am delighted that this planning application has been considered and approved.”
“This is a major milestone for Maidenhead’s regeneration and I looking forward to seeing the site being transformed as we look to build a borough for everyone. “I am delighted the council is able to deliver an additional 20 affordable homes for shared ownership on this site meaning a total of 88 new affordable homes (38%) will be created in the heart of Maidenhead to give residents struggling to get onto the housing ladder a place to call home.”
“It will provide much needed homes for our residents and create a much needed new neighbourhood in the town centre with a mixture of homes, retail outlets and community facilities to meet the needs of our residents now and in the future.”
Malcolm Wood, Project Director at Countryside, comments:
“We are delighted that the council has resolved to grant planning permission for this important site. “We look forward to continue to work closely with the council and the community as we deliver the much needed new homes, modern community facilities, cafes and restaurants as well as fabulous new public spaces.”