Maidenhead's Nicholson Quarter plans to be reviewed by High Court

Owners of the Smokey’s Nightclub in Nicholsons Lane have confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service that their judicial review request has been granted by Mrs Justice Lang DBE.

This will mean the High Court will review planning consent given to the developer Denhead S.A.R.L, joint venture between regeneration specialist Areli and investment group Tikehau Capital, which was approved unanimously in March 2021 by the then Royal Borough development management panel.

The development, which is known as the Nicholsons Quarter, seeks to transform the shopping centre into 650 homes, 60 retail and hospitality units, 29,000sqm of office space, and a new multi-storey car park.

Smokey's Nightclub is seeking a judicial review of the Nicholson Quarter planning permission (Image: Smokey's Nightclub)

The Page family, who have owned the nightclub for six decades, say the case will consider if councillors sitting on the panel were able to fairly consider the position of Smokeys in their deliberations at the committee.

In a statement provided by the nightclub’s solicitors, it goes on to say that panel members had ‘documentation circulated to them immediately before the committee hearing,’ which Smokeys claim ‘may have inappropriately influenced’ their decision.

READ MORE: Maidenhead's Nicholsons shopping centre setback to be challenged

Smokeys believes the committee was ‘unable to consider the position’ of the nightclub and the ‘consequences’ from this £500m redevelopment that would result in the ‘total extinguishment’ of their business.

“It has always been the case that Smokey’s Nightclub has no objection in principle to the redevelopment of the Nicholsons shopping centre and supports the regeneration of Maidenhead town centre, with adequate provisioned Nightclub,” Smokeys said in a statement.

The Nicholsons shopping centre (Image: Google Maps)

The redevelopment has already seen a major setback following on a three-day public inquiry in October, which saw a planning inspectorate refuse the council’s compulsory purchase order (CPO) to obtain Smokeys nightclub to enable the regeneration works.

The Inspectorate concluded without adequate provision for Smokeys, 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.

He criticised the council and Areli for showing a “lack of urgency and corporate commitment” in exploring alternative accommodation for Smokeys and did not treat them with the “appropriate respect”.

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

The Royal Borough’s lead member for finance, Cllr David Hilton (Con: Ascot & Sunninghill) said in February that the redevelopment has hit a “bump in the road” but announced that the council, which sold its freehold interest on the centre for £1m to Tikehau Capital, intends to challenge the inspectorate’s decision.

A council spokesperson 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.

“The council is party to two legal matters around the redevelopment, related to the planning and CPO processes. We await confirmation of when these matters will be considered by the High Court.”

Areli was contacted for comment.