To receive an update from Chris Joyce, Head of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Economic Growth.

Chris Joyce gave the Forum an update on infrastructure around Maidenhead. The Maidenhead Station access project was a transport interchange that was designed to improve pedestrian and cycle links across the town. Traffic layout changes had been made, particularly around the station, in order to make it a gateway to Maidenhead. The Cross Rail project, once completed, was expected to bring an increase in growth to the town. The station project was in its delivery phase and would be completed in January 2021.

The ‘Missing Links’ project was designed to connect pedestrian and cycle routes. This included crossings on the A4 and improving connectivity around the town. Around £2.8 million had been earmarked for the project, with £2.2 million received from LEP funding. The project would be starting later in the month, with completion expected to be April 2021.

Chris Joyce said that junction improvements would also be made to a number of roundabouts in Maidenhead, with six to be upgraded as part of this project. This was a £6.3 million project and would enable the housing sites that had been identified in the Borough Local Plan to be progressed. Work was due to start in October 2020 and completion was estimated to be April 2021, in two phases.

Councillor Singh asked if there were any images available for the proposals. He was told that images were available on the RBWM website. The junction plans were clearly set out in the Borough Local Plan consultation, which was available in the public domain.

Councillor Singh further asked if cycle lanes could be included in the roundabouts that were due to be upgraded. Chris Joyce explained that Maidenhead Missing Links was a major cycle project and was looking to provide new cycle routes across Maidenhead.

Councillor Hill left the meeting.

Councillor Taylor commented on the traffic light sequences around the town centre and that they needed to be looked at it so that they could be phased better. Chris Joyce said that he would pick this up after the meeting.

Councillor McWilliams said that the proposed development on Maidenhead Golf Course had opportunities to improve sustainability, especially with the number of homes that were planned.

Chris Joyce said that the proposals had been included as part of the Borough Local Plan and therefore traffic and infrastructure had been modelled with the site in mind. A site of that size would also provide RBWM with a significant amount of CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) which could be used to invest in sustainable projects.

Councillor McWilliams asked what opportunities were available for the site to become a leading example when it came to climate change and sustainability. Chris Joyce said that there was a great opportunity to trial sustainable projects such as low carbon heating and renewable electricity generation.

The Chairman queried if any consultation had taken place on the A308. He was informed that funding had been provided to study traffic on the road, with the consultation paused due to Covid. However, it was hoped that the consultation would be launched soon.