The government has confirmed it is to hand £9.3million to Slough Council for a major project set to transform Farnham Road.

The money has been allocated to Slough Borough Council from the Levelling Up Fund to make "major improvements" to the Farnham Road (A355) corridor.

'Destination Farnham Road' will see the busy road transformed into a "high-quality public space", with the aim to allow visitors to use "any mode of transport".

As previously reported, a consultation was launched in December asking residents for their views on the changes. This has since closed and the council are now reviewing the feedback.

The scheme sets out an "attractive" public space with a reduced speed limit of 20mph through the main shopping area. Currently, the speed limit is set at 30mph.

Cyclists will benefit from a new off-road two-way cycle route, while the roads and footways will be "upgraded".

Proposals also state how road crossings will be revamped and better lighting will be added where possible.

Other additions to the road include upgraded bus stops, new parking facilities and improvement to the small part at the junction of Sheffield Road.

The government have outlined the main benefits, which include a boost to the local economy and helping to create jobs by supporting businesses in the area.

Improving the area and access are the other benefits listed.

Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for highways, housing and transport, said: "We’re grateful for this funding which will help transform Farnham Road by improving the active space used by residents, businesses and visitors and will help those impacted by the volume of people and cars there."

The council have committed an additional grant of £1million to the scheme, making it a £10.3million project.

Following the closure of the consultation on February 11, council officers will now review the responses and designs of the scheme.

A cabinet report will then be prepared and the preliminary designs and consultation feedback will be discussed in a cabinet meeting in April 2024, where approval to construct the scheme will be sought.

Once the detailed designs are approved, a further consultation will take place for the temporary and permanent traffic regulation orders.

In the six months following this, a monitoring exercise will be undertaken and another at the year mark to document the impact of the scheme.

Slough Borough Council transport lead councillor Paul Kelly previously said: “This is a scheme which could transform Farnham Road and the surrounding roads, making the area better for residents, businesses, visitors and all road users."