To receive an update from Steph James, Maidenhead Town Manager.

Steph James, Maidenhead Town Manager, explained that many businesses were currently in a difficult position. More businesses were now able to offer takeaway services, which was something that they could not offer during the first lockdown. Grant funding had also been made available by the government, with information available on the RBWM website. Footfall in the town centre in October had been 34% down on last year but was not lower than the national average. There were currently 38 empty retail units, which had risen by four units since December 2019, with Tesco, Poundstretcher and Monsoon being some of the businesses to vacant their premises. While the number of empty shops was increasing, an application had now been submitted for the Nicolson’s Centre and an application had been approved at the old Post Office site. Parking was 51% down year on year, with the most popular areas for parking currently being West Street and the Landing.

The York Road development was now nearing completion with the marketing suite now open and a number of properties at the site now on the market. A consultation was now underway on the Magnet Leisure Centre, with the St Clouds Way website outlining the potential proposals, while a public consultation would also be held later this month on the Nicolson’s Centre application.

On social media, Make Maidenhead had enjoyed strong levels of engagement, with ‘Shop local, support local’ also being a success. Councillor Taylor had set up an online auction market which was showcasing the talent available in Maidenhead and across the borough. Looking forward to Christmas, the lights would be switched on at the weekend (21^st/22^nd November) and Steph James wanted to ensure that Christmas would still be special in the town. She wanted residents to share pictures of their decorated homes with a competition for the best pictures, details would be announced shortly.

Councillor Hill asked if there would be free parking in Maidenhead in the run up to Christmas. Steph James said that she was not sure at the moment, the Chairman said that if any decision was taken they would let Members and residents know.

Councillor Singh said that there were some extra free spaces recently implemented in Bridge Avenue, but there was another area of his ward which could do with more parking by using a lay-by located close to shops and businesses.

Steph James said that she was happy to go on a walk to explore the area with Councillor Singh and see what could be done. Councillor Clark, Lead Member for Transport and Infrastructure, said that he was also very happy to assist in any way, he said that he was against having parking restrictions where they were not necessary.

The Chairman asked Councillor Clark if he would be able to update the Forum and residents on the major works that would be taking place around Maidenhead. Councillor Clark said that six major junctions had been identified that needed to be upgraded. The work had been scoped and the Local Enterprise Partnership had identified funding for the works, which would commence in the next few weeks.

Councillor McWilliams asked how RBWM was engaging with businesses to understand their optimism and how they would like to receive support. It was important for businesses to survive and eventually thrive so that the economy would be able to recover.

Steph James said there was a lot of optimism as businesses were adapting to the circumstances and new businesses were being created to take advantage of any new gaps in the market. Residents had done a good job in supporting local businesses over the summer and there should be a focus on the future of Maidenhead. Receiving information from businesses was something that could be worked on, especially as there was not a central database containing information on all businesses in the borough. It was important that RBWM was able to engage and communicate effectively with its business community.

Councillor McWilliams agreed that a database was an important piece of work. He mentioned affordable work space and was not aware if it was included as part of Areli’s plans for the Nicolson’s Centre. He asked if representations had been made to Areli.

Steph James said it was something that Areli had considered, an area of the centre would be called ‘The Yards’ and would allow grassroots businesses to be set up.

Councillor Baldwin said that he had been involved with deliveries for Maidenhead Food Share and asked what would need to happen to have a local traffic management system in Maidenhead and things like local traffic orders. There were  issues with the number of cars in the area and the safety of volunteers who helped at the food share.

Steph James said that this would be taken away and looked at. She was appreciative of the great work that Maidenhead Food Share were doing and wanted to make it as easy as possible for them. Councillor Clark agreed with these comments and recommended that contact with officers be made, he would be happy to help with this.

Councillor McWilliams suggested to Councillor Baldwin that he discuss the food share with Areli, who were the company behind the Nicolson’s Shopping Centre redevelopment, as they had supported charities in the past and might be able to help with Maidenhead Food Share.

Councillor Baldwin said that he had spoken to Areli but would take this issue offline to discuss with the Chairman, Lead Members and Officers further. He said that it was important that the logistical issues were understood and that the safety of those working at the food share was protected.

Councillor Singh asked if there would be a nightclub included in the redevelopment plans, like Smokey Joes. Steph James said that she did not know if there would be at the moment but hoped that a venue like Smokey Joes would be part of the town centre again.