CONCERNS were raised on how Windsor’s ‘biggest project’ will be managed as it sets out how the town should look in the next 20 years.
Following an extensive consultation by The Prince’s Foundation, it has released its findings on what Windsorians want to see happen in the historic town that reflects its rich diversity and heritage, strengths, and opportunities.
Known as the Windsor Vision, the top issues residents wanted to see happen were to provide parking outside the town centre – such as park and rides or promoting the railway – the town centre to be better cleaned, and environmental concerns – like better protection and management of green spaces.
It was adopted by cabinet and was hailed for its engagement with residents, businesses, and stakeholders. However, concerns were raised on how the big project will be managed and implemented.
Speaking at a Windsor Town Forum, Windsorian and former Conservative councillor Ed Wilson said: “If an organisation can’t do the small things then its got no chance of doing the big things.
“If it can’t fix the entrance sign coming into Windsor then it’s not going to implement programme management and it certainly won’t implement this very ambitious vision, and that’s a shame really.
“I personally don’t see any programme management in the Royal Borough. I think the Royal Borough is very, very good at delivering a series of small projects but certainly not as part of any kind of programme framework that anybody will recognise in the private sector.
“That’s what’s going to be needed if this thing is going to take off. It’s a really important piece of work with some fantastic things in there, but without proper programme management, it’s just not going to fly.”
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Whilst praising the Windsor Vision, resident John Holland said it needs a timescale, an overall programme, and a budget to be completed very early on. If it doesn’t have these and is not realistic with the funds, then the work could end up being a “waste of time”.
Meanwhile, Cllr Neil Knowles (OWRA: Old Windsor) said there is “serious neglect” in Windsor, such as the “embarrassing” Alexandra Gardens car park, that the council can sort out now.
He also said the council should promote the excellent railway links by adding deals like other cities and towns do, and the local authority could do more to encourage to use public transport to go into the town centre, such as subsidising bus tickets.
Cllr David Hilton (Con: Ascot & Sunninghill), lead member for finance, said the project is ongoing and is not at a point for it to be delivered or assemble projects. Once it is, a budget and costs will be calculated at a later date.
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But he “suspects” that this project could cost “some tens of millions of pounds”.
Executive director for place Andrew Durrant also said this work will enable the council to get additional support and funds from external sources to implement the work identified in the Windsor Vision.
The forum took place on Monday, March 20.
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