English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, has announced a funding package of £17.52 million for Slough Borough Council’s Heart of Slough project.
The ambitious project will include more than 1,300 new homes, 22,564 square metres of high quality office space, a new bus station, a revised road layout and new public recreation space as well as a new library and community facilities.
The funding from English Partnerships will now help the council to conclude the development agreement with partners Development Securities and Berkeley Homes, and clears the way for detailed work to start on buildings, highways design and public consultation.
Cllr Dexter Smith, commissioner for planning and transportation, said: “This is a great milestone in the Heart of Slough regeneration project. I am proud of the focus achieved on the project over the past two years. We have cut down the high rise element and dramatically reduced the amount of office space, increasing the amount of residential provision.
“We have listened to residents views and will be including a brand new state-of-the-art library in the plans.”
“The project has also already brought many benefits to the town over past few years, such as arts funding and a creative industries hub, and it is hoped we can now start making real inroads into the physical regeneration.”
David Warburton, area director for English Partnerships added, “We are delighted to confirm our commitment to this project which is key to the revival and future prosperity of Slough. The plans for the project tick all the right boxes for us in terms of helping to create a community where people will want to live and work. The delivery of affordable homes, regenerating the town centre and the re-use of brownfield land are key elements of the project and chime exceptionally well with our remit.”
English Partnerships will be a full partner in the planning and delivery of the project with specific responsibility for certain elements of the plan.
To date, external funding brought in by the Heart of Slough scheme includes:
Along with English Partnerships, Slough Borough Council will be working with development partners Berkeley Homes and Development Securities to deliver the scheme, which will lead to a total investment of over £200million.
Cllr Geoff Howard, commissioner for resources, said: “The Heart of Slough scheme will really help transform the gateway to Slough’s town centre, and radically improve the town’s image. Good management of our town’s assets is vital and pulling in extra funding to update and improve the town infrastructure and environment is part of our strategy to improve the quality of life in the town.”
English Partnerships is the government’s national regeneration agency. Its aim is to deliver high quality sustainable growth in England. For further information see www.englishpartnerships.co.uk
Last published Thursday, February 02, 2006
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