MAIDENHEAD’S MP Theresa May has officially opened the new public plaza at a £94m regeneration site.

Watermark is located at York Road, Maidenhead, and has delivered 229 new homes, of which 88 are affordable. Construction began in March 2019, with the first residents moving into the development in spring 2021.

The site is one of four projects being delivered by a joint initiative between the council and developer Countryside.

Former Prime Minister Theresa May officially opened the public plaza surrounded by retailers at Watermark on Friday, May 6 alongside council leader Andrew Johnson and project director for Countryside Malcolm Wood.

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The public plaza has illuminated water features and is surrounded by 20,000 sqft of restaurants, cafés, and leisure space. It will also provide a new setting for the nearby Grade II listed Maidenhead Library.

Located under the arches of the development, the new retail units around the square are now fully let and comprise brewer A Hoppy Place, wine and tapas restaurant Masters, and Anytime Fitness

Cllr Andrew Johnson said the official opening is another major step along the town’s regeneration journey and the public square is a new “focal point” for the community to enjoy.

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He said: “The council, in partnership with Countryside, is driving forward the transformational regeneration of Maidenhead town centre, with Watermark and other redevelopment schemes bringing new homes, jobs and community facilities that enhance the vibrancy of the wider area and support further major investment.

“Watermark includes affordable homes across a range of tenures, as well as commercial space that complements existing retail and £1m of developer contributions to improve community facilities, infrastructure, and public realm.”

The public joined Countryside the next day to try out the new retailers and tried out a number of activities such as a bootcamp workout and smoothies from Anytime Fitness, beer from A Hoppy Place, and wine and charcuterie tasting from Masters.