Published: Thursday, 10th July, 2008 12:00
Setback to Heart of Slough
By Aamina Zafar
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A MULTI-MILLION pound scheme to revamp Slough Town Centre has suffered a huge setback after new key negotiations to revitalise Thames Valley University have broken down.
Berkeley Homes has not been able to agree a contract with the University for the redevelopment of its campus in Wellington Street. This agreement was central to the £400m Heart of Slough project.
But the university says it remains committed to the regeneration project and will be discussing alternative development options with Slough Borough Council and English Partnerships to provide a new academic space and high-density housing on the campus site.
It was believed that Berkeley Homes was expected to build 1,500 homes for the project – 1,200 of which were due to be on the campus land. It is still believed to be involved with the remaining 300 houses in the scheme through its official tender win.
The vice chancellor, Professor Peter John, said: “Whilst it is disappointing that the contract has lapsed, this change of circumstances allows the University to review its options in order to ensure that we provide the right level of academic provision to meet the learning needs of our local community in Slough for years to come.
“Due to changing market conditions it is likely to take some time before new plans emerge for the redevelopment of the campus, and staff, students and the Heart of Slough partnership will be consulted about any new proposals. During the new academic year, we will implement the plan that was prepared as part of the Berkeley Homes scheme. This will involve vacating the buildings on the northern part of the campus and consolidating the University in the southern part as part of our strategy to improve space utilisation and efficiency across the University estate.”
The council has said this blow will not have an impact on the regeneration of Slough High Street which is currently underway and is due to be completed next year.
A council spokesman added: “For our part we are committed to making the Heart of Slough a reality, and with so many organisations and local people showing their support for the scheme we see no reason why the overall proposals will not proceed as planned. Businesses and residents can still look forward to a revitalised Slough.”
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