Construction of the next phase in the regeneration of Maidenhead town centre is set to start this summer.

A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) has been secured for the remaining land needed which was confirmed by an independent Planning Inspector.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is working with developer, HUB, to bring forward The Landing, a mixed-used scheme including 431 new homes, along with extensive accommodation for office, retail, business and community use, and associated works.

With planning permission already in place, the council made the CPO in September 2020 to acquire the remaining plots of land within the wider triangle-shaped scheme area, which is bounded to the north by the Broadway, to the west by King Street, and to the south and east by Queen Street.

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In confirming the order after a public inquiry and site visits held in June, Planning Inspector Peter Rose concluded that the CPO provided certainty that the outstanding acquisitions can be completed without undue delay and thereby unlock the significant public benefits likely to be arising from this major investment.

Councillor Andrew Johnson, leader of the council and cabinet member for business, economic development and property, said: "This is great news for the whole borough. We always seek initially to acquire land through private agreement, however we aren't afraid to use CPO powers as a last resort and we’re pleased the Inspector has agreed there was a 'compelling case in the public interest'.

"In making his decision, the Inspector also described the scheme as ‘much needed’ and recognised it as a major capital investment and a long-standing regeneration ambition of the council, providing homes, jobs and other facilities that will considerably improve the local environment and enhance the vibrancy of the town centre.

"This crucial decision will enable the comprehensive redevelopment of this key site in Maidenhead town centre to move ahead for the benefit of the whole borough, and it’s very promising to see the project get that endorsement and take another step forward."