Maidenhead & Windsor

The long-term rejuvenation of Maidenhead needs a comprehensive area action plan (AAP) to guide development and potential growth - and now local people are being encouraged to have their say on five key elements for the way forward.

The consultation, launched this week by PRoM (the Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead) and the Royal Borough, gives everyone the chance to speak up about:

* a proposed extension of the town centre boundary to reflect the potential for growth over the next 15 to 20 years
* how to beat the barrier created by the ring road to provide better access to the town centre
* how to bring about better integrated public transport and encourage more people to cycle or walk
* where landmark, feature and/or taller buildings could be located to enhance the town centre
* how to create a more attractive town centre with better, greener public spaces.

Bob Dulson, independent chairman of PRoM, said: "We see the AAP as vital for the future of Maidenhead - the cornerstone of development. We want it to be sound, sustainable and stimulating. Once agreed, it will not only set out what types of developments are appropriate and where, but also how they improve the environment and relate to other buildings, public spaces and the wider town centre."

Cllr David Burbage, Conservative leader of the council and a member of PRoM, said: "We are coming to a critical stage in the development of the AAP and we need input from residents and businesses to take it forward in a meaningful way. Feedback at this stage will help us form the preferred options for the AAP and then later this year we will be putting those to our community again for their views before we submit the final draft to the secretary of state in the spring. There has never been a more important time for local people to make a positive contribution to the future of our town centre."

A newsletter, called Maidenhead: on Track for the Future, which includes a look at what's been achieved so far, has been produced by PRoM. It features the current consultation information and questionnaire and also highlights the ongoing events and initiatives aimed at shorter-term enhancement of the town centre, including a popular 'things to do' programme, new window wraps to smarten up empty premises and samples of paving stone designs that could be used throughout the town centre in the future.

Cllr Simon Werner, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council and PRoM member, said: "We decided to present the consultation in a bright, newsy format that will appeal to a cross-section of residents. Our aim is to capture as many views as possible and the magazine will be widely distributed to give everyone the opportunity to read all about it and make their comments."

Some 20,000 copies of Maidenhead: on Track for the Future will be circulated through the Maidenhead Advertiser and copies will also be available in the Town Hall, local libraries, the Magnet Leisure Centre and Nicholsons Shopping Centre.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead