Published: Friday, 4th July, 2008 12:00
Estate revamp will create 4,400 jobs
By Aamina Zafar
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EUROPE’S largest trading estate has exclusively revealed its £300m master plan to boost Slough’s economy and create 4,400 new jobs.
This week The Observer has been granted the first look into the detailed plans for SEGRO’s 20-year redevelopment project which will modernise the trading estate along Bath Road, Slough.
One of the biggest changes will see a shift away from traditional factories to more office space for more knowledge based firms such as Research In Motion and O2.
SEGRO will launch a public consultation with businesses on Thursday to discuss the proposals which aim to create a landmark gateway along Leigh Road. One of the major changes will see the estate being sectioned off into five different zones – an area for new and small firms, another section for small factories, another for labs and high tech units, a retail zone as well as a patch for offices for knowledge based companies.
SEGRO director Kevin O’Connor said: “We will be working with businesses when we have to relocate them to ensure they are happy. But we do feel having like for like businesses together will be better.
“It allows firms to network easily and the cross fertilization of business is what leads to growth which is important when everyone is concerned with the credit crisis. The needs of people are the focal point of the plan – people who work here, people who visit and people who live nearby.”
Other improvements include:
Replacing old buildings with eco-friendly buildings with solar panels.
Building a series of public parks and squares.
Reducing the carbon footprint with a new transport hub with buses travelling around the estate, to and from Heathrow and surrounding town centres.
A new two way bridge over the railway line.
A one-stop-shop for education, skills and training to enable local people to have access to employment opportunities.
Slough Borough Council leader, Rob Anderson, said: “The master plan is a great commitment to the town in what are difficult times.
“They are creating over 4,000 jobs without increasing car parking so that will mean they are looking to employ more local people and we will work hard to make sure that Slough people have the skills to get the top jobs.”
SEGRO will put its planning application the council in autumn. Work is due to start next year and improvements to the gateway and stretch along Leigh Road, which will include a park and transport hub, will be completed in 2011.
See www.sloughte.com for more information about the public consultation which will start at The Centre, Farnham Road, Slough.
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