Slough: Criterion Capital wins consent to convert council offices

Criterion Capital has won planning consent to convert the old council offices in Slough town centre into private residential apartments, bringing much needed homes to this popular town. 

Wellington House, situated above the Queensmere shopping centre, will provide 100 one and two-bedroom apartments as well as new rooftop community gardens. Once built, the new apartments will be added to Criterion’s investment portfolio and let to the private rented sector.

Criterion Capital acquired the Queensmere and Observatory shopping centres in 2006 and is working closely with Slough Borough Council to bring forward the regeneration of this key town centre site. The consent forms part of Criterion’s wider masterplan for the redevelopment of the shopping centres together with 861 new homes incorporated above.

Bhavash Vashi, head of planning at Criterion Capital, said: “This is a fantastic result which finally gives us the opportunity to regenerate this important building. We are delighted with the pragmatic and constructive approach shown by Slough planning officers.”

Michael Hughes, head of development at Criterion Capital, added: “This is another example of our ability to adapt to changing market conditions. The structural changes in retail, an economic downturn and a flood of vacant offices led us to move into the residential development market. Our strategy is to build a portfolio of residential assets that we can let to the private rented sector.”