Agenda item

John Rice, Interim Assistant Director, Environment and Regeneration, outlined a report providing an update on the Heart of Slough (H of S) Project, including information on Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs).  The Committee noted that progress had been made with regard to all quadrants of the H of S scheme and the new bus station had been fully operational since 28^th May 2011.

Members were advised  that the CPO for the land and rights required for the proposed site of The Curve, had been agreed by Cabinet in February, 2011 and the Order was made on 29^th June 2011.  The notice was served on all recipients of the Order, and 20 objections to the CPO had been received by the Secretary of State, the majority of which were concerned with access to buildings for delivery and fire escape purposes.  The Committee was informed that this could easily be resolved by the granting of covenants to those who would require the retention of these rights.  The Assistant Director stated that the only occupier directly affected by the plans was JD Sports, who had made use of a service ramp which would no longer exist once the plans were complete.  The Council had suggested that a scissor lift be provided as an alternative access and the Assistant Director was optimistic that all objections would be withdrawn.  Should this not be the case, the Secretary of State would call a public enquiry if necessary.

In response to a question concerning Quadrant Four, the development of land belonging to the University of West London, Members were advised that the University had appointed architects who would be drawing up plans within the following 6 to 9 months. Members questioned whether any provision had been made for a play area on the site, in response to which the Committee were informed that the Council owned 13% of the site and therefore had some influence over how the land was to be built on.  It was also noted that consideration had been given to the building of a large tower block which would contain a high volume of flats, thereby freeing some of the land and providing for public amenity space.

A number of further questions were raised including the adequacy of the pedestrian crossing which was to be installed and the lack of information which had been provided detailing the timetable for the development of the bus station.  Members were told that new traffic signalling was to be controlled by a system known as SCOOT, which worked via sensors within the road and monitored traffic flow. The Assistant Director confirmed that additional services were being developed at the bus station, including toilet facilities, which would be contained within the on site café.

A Member questioned whether plans had been made to bring additional shops and restaurants into Slough town centre.  The Officer confirmed that the Council had considered a number of options to boost the retail business within the town, including relocating Council offices; however this was not something that was economically viable at the time of consideration.

In response to a Member request, the Committee agreed that a report detailing costs and expected completion dates would be presented at a future meeting.

Resolved –  That the current position be noted and thata report detailing the financial position be submitted to the Committee on 15^th November, 2011.