Maidenhead: The Landing scheme for town-centre redevelopment goes to planners

Developer HUB and landowner Smedvig have submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of The Landing site in Maidenhead town centre.

The scheme, designed by architect Studio Egret West, comprises six buildings, and will deliver 519 homes, for sale and rent, including affordable homes, along with 56,300 sq ft of office space and 36,600 sq ft of retail, leisure and workspace.

Responding to public feedback, HUB has reimagined the public realm proposed for the development, providing a Garden Square including soft landscaping, trees and seating areas that will create a green destination in the heart of Maidenhead. The plans also include car parking and cycle storage.

The site is adjacent to Maidenhead station, where Elizabeth Line trains will arrive in 2019, and is a key town centre regeneration opportunity as it provides a vital link between the refurbished station and the town centre.

Steve Sanham, managing director HUB, said: “The Landing site sits right at the heart of Maidenhead and is hugely important to local people. Our proposals for the site follow a wide-ranging programme of engagement and consultation and have the potential to transform the town centre, with a vibrant mix of homes, workspace, shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as new public space.

“Local people made it very clear to us that they want to see the town centre revitalised and we are absolutely committed to delivering on that aim. Importantly, we will also be providing 519 high-quality homes that will be both aspirational and attainable, which is exactly what the town desperately needs.”

Cristophe Egret, founding director of Studio Egret West, said: “The Landing will help transform the future of Maidenhead, establishing a positive street structure along both Queen and King Street and revealing in its heart a new Garden Square, an urban oasis characterised by interesting tree species and verdant planting.”

“The scheme provides employment opportunities and new community facilities, while the carefully designed homes provide a chance to live within the town centre, close to the soon to open Crossrail link at Maidenhead Station. Local artist Kirsty Brooks has worked with the design team to ensure the buildings feel rooted in the rich history of the town through material and colour choices, as well as specific art works. “

The new planning application comes after Smedvig appointed HUB as development manager in August 2017. HUB has worked closely with Studio Egret West on revising the original plans for an office-led mixed use scheme on the site, which received outline planning permission in 2015.

In line with HUB’s commitment to building strong communities, HUB facilitated extensive community engagement and public consultation on the proposals, with over 1,500 local people giving their views, in advance of submitting the plans to the Royal Borough of Winsor and Maidenhead for consideration.

HUB and Smedvig’s scheme is being submitted for planning approval in two parts: the developers are seeking full planning permission for the demolition of the existing buildings on the site and the first four buildings that will provide 375 homes, a new office building and 23,637 sq ft of retail, office, and leisure space.

The developers are also seeking outline planning permission for two buildings that will provide a further 144 homes and up to 12,963 sq ft retail, community and leisure space.

Subject to planning, construction is expected to commence in Q1 2019.