To receive an update from Barbara Richardson, Managing Director of RBWM Property Company Ltd.

Duncan Sharkey, Chief Executive, said the item was brought to the Forum following commentary made in Maidenhead Town Forum. It would have been preferable to have had the item discussed at this Forum. Duncan Sharkey said the project was paused and gave a background to the project. The council identified its asset management strategy and felt the coach park and Alma Road car park sites could be used more valuably, provided it could be relocated to another location, such as a more remote coach drop-off point. Surface car parks were a poor utilisation of space, as it was low density use for a large area, and it was likely to be the only big site in town that could be used for what Windsor may need in future.

In 2018, the Council looked at possible uses of the site undertaken by consultants from GL Hearn who spoke to local parties and presented a report to Cabinet. Cabinet decided to engage a partner to look at the possibilities of the site and undertook work by speaking to local people about what was needed in the long-term. The site included the coach and cark parks, but not Alexandra Gardens. GL Hearn looked at Baths Island, however through various pieces of work from the council, it was very unlikely for anything to happen on Baths Island other than improvement of basic facilities. Investments in the coach and car parks could give the council further investments in the public realm to the wider area. The report identified the possibility to enhance the green space in Alexandra Gardens.

Councillor Johnson, Leader of the Council and Chairman of Cabinet, Business, Economic Development and Property, said future proposals to improve the public realm on the riverside and Baths Island would include wider public engagement and consultation. It was important for Windsor to be a prosperous and vibrant destination for residents, visitors, and businesses. The Chairman said the vision in the Windsor Neighbourhood Plan showed that Windsor valued the historic town and wished for public realm improvements.

Councillor Knowles said he had not seen the Cabinet 2018 report and asked if the report should not be referred to in future, and Councillor Johnson agreed to the latter statement. Duncan Sharkey said the report was available to all Members. Councillor Knowles hoped for any Windsor development to align with the Windsor vision, including how the riverside would look, the possibility of a coach and ride and location of the car parks. Duncan Sharkey said it was valuable to have a vision the future of the borough that everyone could feed into and would allow the council to judge and prioritise future projects against.

Councillor Cannon asked for reconfirmation that Alexandra Gardens was never the subject matter, and this was only regarding the coach and car park. Duncan Sharkey said this was correct, and the original report mentioned Alexandra Gardens as part of the site description.

Councillor Price asked if there was a possibility of development on Baths Island and Councillor Johnson said no development would take place on Baths Island, though there may be public realm improvements for a better visitor experience. There would only be developments if Windsor residents wished. Alexandra Gardens public realm improvements would include improving the attractiveness of the area, such as planting and improving landscaping.

Councillor Tisi asked if no development on the coach and car park would be an option, should residents wish. Councillor Johnson said no outcome could be ruled out, a decision would be made through significant public consultation, and he hoped to stop any rumours or misinformation. Councillor Knowles said the misinformation was not a rumour but given by a senior officer in a Forum meeting. Duncan Sharkey said no incorrect briefing or announcement was given, as the officer said the project was paused. People may have been surprised because they were unaware of the original consultation.

Ed Wilson said he was reassured by the comments from Duncan Sharkey and asked for better communication going forwards. He requested for an update on the borough’s website to reassure residents of no development taking place on Alexandra Gardens. Councillor Tisi suggested that going forwards, important announcements on Windsor to be brought to this Forum.