AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop the Queensmere shopping centre into hundreds of new homes, shops, and offices have been submitted.
An outline planning application has been submitted to Slough Borough Council by British Land, which is acting as the development manager for a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority on the scheme.
This is not a full application, which was submitted at the end of October, as the local authority is being asked if it agrees with the development in principle.
READ MORE: Slough: What will a redeveloped Queensmere shopping centre look like?
The plans include:
- Up to 1,600 new homes
- Up to c. 12,000 sqm of flexible town centre spaces for future shops, restaurants, community, leisure & education facilities
- Up to 40,000 sqm of high-quality office space
- Up to 3,750 sqm for a potential cinema or live music venue
Over 4.5 acres of “attractive” public realm is also proposed, including:
- A new Town Square
- Reinstatement of historic routes
- An Urban Park
- A local square and landscaped community heart space
- New green routes and connections across the site
What a redeveloped town centre could look like
Demolition of the shopping centre could start in late 2023, subject to planning consent, which will then follow the first phase of the development, including a “vibrant” new town square and up to 600 homes.
The first homes and the new town square could be delivered as early as 2026.
READ MORE: Slough's Queensmere shopping centre plans defended by British Land
British Land development director Russell O’Hare said: “We are delighted to announce the submission of our proposals for the redevelopment of the Queensmere Shopping Centre.
“Having spent several months consulting with the local community and Slough Borough Council, we are confident that our exciting proposals will bring much-needed investment and activity to Slough town centre.”
The application followed over two years of consultation with local residents and community stakeholders in Slough whose view shaped the application. Engagement will be ongoing by the project team with residents.
The planning application can be viewed on the council’s planning portal with the reference code P/19689/000
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