To receive a presentation by Barbara Richardson, M.D. RBWM Property Co. Ltd.

The Chair gave a speech on parking provision and the benefits of the regeneration occurring in Maidenhead. Barbara Richardson, Managing Director of RBWM Property Ltd gave a presentation on the Maidenhead regeneration and public parking provision.

Barbara Richardson gave a presentation on the Maidenhead Regeneration- Public Parking Provision. It was outlined that there were 3411 car parking spaces currently available in Maidenhead. In line with the proposed increased of car parking there would also be infrastructure requirements and regeneration outputs which included the delivery of 4000 homes, new community facilities, education, health and leisure. Councillor Dudley queried whether the current parking provision had taken the reduction of car spaces available at Hines Meadow into account and it was confirmed that these spaces had been deducted by the total figure. Members were informed of the current car parking spaces provision as follows:

·         Broadway/Nicholson- 734 spaces

·         Station Approach- 79 spaces

·         Hines Meadow- 1328 spaces

·         Magnet/ St Clouds Way- 248 spaces

·         Stafferton Way- 570 spaces

·         Braywick- 200 spaces

·         Town Hall- 111 spaces

·         Grove Road- 82 spaces

·         West Street- 59 spaces

Members were informed that temporary surface car parking would be provided at the Ten Pin Bowling Site- St Clouds Way (105), Clyde House Warehouse- Reform Road (70) and at the Landing Site (80). It was also outlined that there would be new permanent public car parking provision at Vicus Way- 1 & 2 Stafferton Way ( Nene site) (503) and Broadway- Town Centre (1354). It was highlighted that there would be private sector proposals which would be considered and would not be included in the total number of temporary (total- 255 spaces) and total new permanent spaces (total new permanent spaces -1857). It was noted that parking for private residential new build development would also sit outside of these numbers. Members were show the Landing site location, ten pin bowling site location and Clyde House warehouse site location maps. It was outlined that planning submission for temporary provision ( excluding the Landing site) would be submitted in July 2018, the planning decision would be considered in September 2018 and further to this works would begin on site in October 2018 with the ambition for practical completion in February 2019.

Councillor Dudley queried whether the parking had a specific purpose and was located to the peripheral areas of the town centre. It was confirmed that the parking would be aimed at season ticket holders for parking and those who commuted to the town for employment. It was discussed that the loss of 155 spaces at Hines Meadow which were central to the town and that the parking offer for shoppers had been taken into consideration. It confirmed that there had been discussions and it had been agreed in principle with Shanly homes regarding parking at the ten pin bowling site which would commence within the next two years and the site would be available from March 2019. It was noted that there would be 200 car parking spaces to be made available. Councillor Hollingsworth queried whether there would be a particular use for the car parking spaces and it was confirmed that the spaces at Vicus Way would be targeted at attracting Season ticket holders and commuters whilst the Nicholson centre would maintain its focus on parking for shoppers. It was highlighted that there would be parking made available on individual residential schemes and all housing regeneration schemes in the city centre would have car club schemes. It was queried whether users of the car club would need to pay towards a permit when driving vehicles in the car club offer and it was confirmed that there would be a trial period for residents followed by subscription and rental charges. All users of the car club would be subject to normal driving restrictions and the highway code. Councillor Love noted that car clubs had been successful and proved far cheaper for city dwellers and that he had recently visited a development in Action which had been more cost effective for residents than owning their own car and would help in higher use of public transport. Councillor Sharma noted that both the Vicus Way and Broadway car park projects were relevant and well received by residents and individual wards. He wished to place a vote of thanks on record for the officers involved. Members stated that they would like to see good value for money for season ticket holders to attract a larger audience.

Councillor Mills queried the visibility features within the car parks and whether this included LED lighting. It was confirmed that for access requirements that LED lighting would be used. Councillor Sharma asked whether vehicle number plate recognition would be used as opposed to pay and display. It was confirmed that there would be a pay and display scheme operating. Councillor Wilson reminded the Forum that there was a service access to the right of Sienna Court and that there should be consideration given to the two way flow of exit from Broadway Car Park. Barbara Richardson confirmed that the service access would remain and retain its current use. Councillor Hollingsworth highlighted that there would be one exit lane from the Nicholson centre after the development and wished to note his concern. Councillor Sharma noted that there would be more details contained within the planning application and that the intended single lane layout could increase congestion and that he felt two lanes were needed especially with consideration to HGV and emergency vehicle access in that domain. Councillor Hollingsworth highlighted safety concerns for staff who would have to walk to the Vicus Car Park on their own and it was confirmed that Grove Road would remain open until Broadway was demolished in 2023.

ACTION- That Barbara Richardson work with officers to look at the reduction of 1 exit lane from the Nicholson Centre and its impact.

Members queried the future use of the Nicholson centre and Cllr Dudley confirmed that a sale of the centre was taking place on behalf of the lenders and that there would be a 3-4 week period of time for bids to be tendered. It was confirmed that RBWM had ownership of 50% of the freehold site and that they were a material stakeholder. Work upon the appropriate retail offer was taking place and that there was a focus on resident’s needs. The site had been previously owned by a hedge fund owner and this had come to an end as there had been a foreclosure on the loan against the site. Councillor Dudley stated that this was a good opportunity for a new owner to drive forward plans for the future alongside RBWM as a key stakeholder. Councillor Love stated that he wished to see the regeneration of the city centre to include specialised shopping areas like Camden. Councillor Dudley stated that there was extreme volatility in retail and that RBWM could draw upon the expertise of partners and that there were good opportunities available with partners for a retail venture.