A DECISION to stall a multi-million-pound plan to redevelop an ageing shopping centre into 650 homes and more is set to be challenged by the council.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has said it is seeking a judicial review in a bid to overturn a planning inspectorate’s ruling to refuse its compulsory purchase order (CPO).

This would have enabled the £500m redevelopment of the Nicholsons shopping centre in Maidenhead to transform it into 650 homes, 60 retail and hospitality units, 29,000sqm of office space, and a new multi-storey car park.

The developer Denhead S.A.R.L, a joint venture between regeneration specialist Areli and investment group Tikehau Capital, needed to acquire the leases and freeholds of several businesses before construction commences.

READ MORE: Maidenhead's Nicholsons shopping centre plans hit with major setback

One of those businesses was the family-run Smokey’s nightclub in Nicholsons Lane.

The planning inspectorate concluded without adequate provision for the nightclub, it will likely result in its closure, which would have a detrimental impact on the town’s youth and culture as well as be a ‘severe blow’ to the family’s finances and wellbeing.

Following a three-day public inquiry in October, the planning inspectorate criticised the council and Areli for showing a “lack of urgency and corporate commitment” in exploring alternative accommodation for Smokey’s and did not treat them with the “appropriate respect”.

Slough Observer: CGI of what the Nicholson Quarter could look likeCGI of what the Nicholson Quarter could look like (Image: Areli)

Presenting the 2023/24 budget at a full council meeting on Tuesday, February 21, Cllr David Hilton (Con: Ascot & Sunninghill), lead member for finance, said the Nicholsons shopping centre redevelopment has hit a “bump in the road” and the council intends to challenge the CPO decision.

A council spokesperson confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting that this is indeed the case.

READ MORE: Maidenhead car park will remain closed for "foreseeable future"

They said: “The Nicholsons redevelopment is a crucial part of the ongoing regeneration of Maidenhead’s town centre, a crucial opportunity to secure major investment that would bring significant benefits for the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of our town and wider borough.

“Having reviewed the outcome of the public inquiry, the council, supported by the scheme developer and project managers, is seeking a judicial review of the planning inspectorate’s decision.”