A BLOCK of apartments that are dubbed “prison blocks” is up for a prestigious national award.

The £94m regeneration scheme Watermark, which is a joint venture between developer Countryside and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, has been shortlisted at the British Homes Award 2022 that recognises excellence and innovation in the British housebuilding industry.

Watermark, located in York Road, Maidenhead, has provided 229 flats, of which 88 are affordable, ground floor commercial space, and a public plaza. Construction on the former council car park began in 2019 where tenants moved in last year.

The developers could bag the ‘mixed-use development of the year’ this September for bringing ‘fresh life’ to the town centre.

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This is in spite of some residents describing the apartment blocks as “prison blocks”. Speaking at a Maidenhead town forum on Monday, July 11, Cllr Gurch Singh (Lib Dem: St Mary’s) said residents are “not happy” with the design.

Emmanuel Ogedengbe from RBWM Property Company called it an “exemplar scheme,” saying it “ticks all the boxes” in regenerating a disused space into a place that’s used for residents to enjoy as well as live.

He said: “We’ve got an area where people can take pride in where previously it was just a car park. I’m sure it’s pleasing to a lot of people to walk along the water with a bit of activity, both residential and commercial within that area.”

He also said flat sales are progressing but are “slow”.

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Meanwhile, council leader Andrew Johnson (Con: Hurley & Walthams) said: “This award shortlisting is welcome national sector recognition of the standards of excellence we’re achieving in Maidenhead, and certainly adds to our anticipation around the overall regeneration programme as we look forward to on-site work starting next at St Cloud Way.”

Daniel King, Managing Director, West London & Thames Valley, Countryside, said: “This shortlisting is testament to the hard work of our team and partners at the council, not only reflecting the high-quality design of Watermark but also our dedication to creating thriving mixed-use communities, with the new retailers around the public square now opening their doors. We look forward to the awards ceremony in September, where we can hopefully celebrate further success.”