Major revamp of Slough's Queensmere shopping centre to be decided

Developer British Land will finally get a decision on its large-scale plans to replace the 1970s shopping centre with hundreds of new homes, along with shops, offices, and public open space.

It is only asking for outline planning permission at this stage, meaning it is seeking permission from Slough Borough Council with the development in principle before a full application is submitted.

The 1970s shopping centre could change as we know if councillors and the planning manager agree (Image: .)

The plans include building up to 1,600 homes, 12,000sqm for retail and leisure, 40,000sqm of office space, 685 car parking spaces, and potential space for live music or small cinema.

Councillors sitting on the planning panel will convene on Thursday, September 29, to decide on the plans.

Along with Queensmere shopping centre, Dukes House, Wellington House, 141, 143, 145, and 165 High Street could also be redeveloped.

In terms of scale, the buildings will start from six-storeys in height and will gradually step up to 12-storeys as you move into the revamped town centre further. The highest buildings will be in the centre, reaching 18-storeys.

READ MORE: Major plans to redevelop Slough's shopping centre submitted

If approved, demolition works of the shopping centre will take place by late 2024 and could be completed in 13 years’ time.

The first phase of the development includes a new town square and up to 600 homes, 75 of which will be affordable.

Part of the western side of Queensmere Shopping Centre will be partially closed from January 2023 in preparation for the major revamp.

An assessment of the site drew up two scenarios British Land could take. One could be building 950 homes with offices, shops, and community facilities or the full 1,600 homes but with no office but add shops, community facilities, a live music venue, a small cinema, and restaurants.

The developer is eyeing up the redevelopment of the Observatory shopping centre, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service was previously told a planning application won’t be submitted until 2030.

READ MORE: Sports Direct to be impacted by Slough's Queensmere partial closure

Councillors have been recommended to defer and delegate the application’s fate to the planning manager and will approve the plans subject to the developer completing its obligations to the council.

This includes holding two reviews on the site to see if more affordable housing can be added, providing 16 on-site electric vehicle charging points, and delivering a north-to-south route between High Street and Wellington Street.

As well as this, a financial contribution of £100,000 towards employment and training initiatives, a £220,000 contribution for air quality monitoring in the town centre, a £912,000 fund to improve Burnham Beeches and Upton Court Park, and £3.5m towards making sustainable transport improvements within the town centre, such as improving public transport and adding controlled parking zones.