Agenda item

(a)  That the vision for the centre of Slough be endorsed.

(b)  That the strategy for delivering the vision be agreed.

(c)  That the workstreams created as part of outcome three of the five year plan be noted and actions taken under those workstreams.

The Cabinet received a report on the progress made under outcome three of the Five Year Plan and sought agreement to adopt a vision for the centre of Slough and an accompanying strategy – Delivering the Vision “Changing Views”.

The vision, as set out in paragraph 5.4 of the report, was intended to change the way the centre of Slough looked and worked in a way which changed people’s perception.  The new high level strategy recognised that the centre of Slough consisted of much more than High Street retail and the narrowly defined area of the town centre identified for planning purposes.  The new plan would not have any formal status, but would be part an agreed framework for future development and regeneration.

The Cabinet recognised the vital role of the centre of Slough in the wider regeneration of the borough, and the work undertaken to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how the centre of Slough could be reshaped the future was to be welcomed.  A number of workstreams had been established to take forward key activities.  Commissioners agreed that the vision had an important role to playing in influencing future plans and activity, with a different role for the Council as a ‘strategic enabler’ of development rather than the deliverer as its resources shrank.  A range of other issues were discussed including the concept of Smart Cities; anti-social behaviour enforcement in the town centre; the retail footprint and outlook; and the next steps.  One of the key steps was influencing the review of the Local Plan for Slough to translate the strategic approach into planning policy and the vision would also help shape strategic acquisitions, disposals, transport policy and wider economic development activity.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Cabinet welcomed the progress that had been made and agreed to adopt the new vision and strategy for the centre of Slough.

Resolved –

(a)  That the vision for the centre of Slough be endorsed.

(b)  That the strategy for delivering the vision be agreed.

(c)  That the workstreams created as part of outcome three of the five year plan be noted and actions taken under those workstreams.