To receive an update on various items of interest in Maidenhead.

Steph James, Service Lead for Economic Growth, explained that footfall in Maidenhead had started to recover. There was a lack of office workers in the town centre at the moment with footfall still 30% down on pre-pandemic levels but this was a similar picture across the country. There were 53 empty premises, which was up 18 on last year. Five units on King Street would be lost due to the redevelopment, while other closures were due to national brands choosing to vacate. Car parking across the town was still down, with surface level car parks still proving to be the most popular.

There had been a number of events taking place recently which were worth highlighting. Norden Farm had hosted a kite festival which had over 1,000 attendees. Maidenhead Waterways was hosting a fun day on 25^th September, while the Christmas light switch on would take place at the end of November. Development of the Landings site was also planned to start soon. There was a significant amount of investment in Maidenhead which was very positive. The new Maidenhead Town Manager would be starting this week and they had already been involved with lots of events.

Councillor G Jones commented on parking spaces and that a number had changed from open to disabled only bays, this was detrimental to encouraging people to visit the town centre. He asked if there were any special plans for the Queens Platinum Jubilee next year.

Steph James said that the disabled bays were put in to cover for the loss of parking elsewhere. A working group had been set up to consider how Maidenhead and the borough could help celebrate the Jubilee next year. She was happy to pass any ideas Members had onto the working group.

Doug Watts believed that the decline with parking started when the advantage card was discontinued. The old ‘Three’ building by the station was offering parking for £1. Regarding the Waterways, it was only possible to travel up to the weir and Doug Watts asked what would be done about that. Parking on Providence Place had been changed so that the bays had been changed to disabled bays, this prevented people being picked up from Sainsburys with their shopping.

Steph James confirmed she had seen the £1 parking that was being offered, which gave residents a choice of where to park. The Waterways group were responsible for maintaining the Waterways so it would be best to speak to them to see what they could do. Steph James said that she would pass on the comments on parking in Providence Place to the parking team.

Councillor Bhangra said that it was good to hear that footfall had been increasing. He had attended the kite festival which had been a big success.

Councillor McWilliams said it was good to hear that investment was coming into Maidenhead. He said it would be good to understand the project that was taking place to develop the Landings site. Councillor McWilliams asked what the old post office was planned to be.

Steph James said that development of the site was imminent and that the topic could be discussed at a future town forum meeting. The old post office was being actively marketed.

Councillor Singh said that the Hub scheme was a contentious site. He asked if there was a possibility that the scheme was amended so that it was part of the Nicholsons redevelopment, to improve access between the two sites.

Steph James said that the suggestion was not within her remit as the two developments were from two private developers.

Councillor Singh suggested that it would be good to invite the developers to the Forum to discuss their plans.