HOPES of Robbie Williams performing at a much-maligned new community centre could become a reality, a council officer said.

Roger Parkin, strategic director of customers and communities at Slough Borough Council, defended The Curve during an overview and scrutiny meeting on Thursday last week, as he was hit with a barrage of criticism from opposition councillors after yet another delay of its opening.

During the meeting cllr Rayman Bains, Conservative, called the £22million project, located in Wellington Street, a ‘white elephant’ after it was revealed transferring registrar services from The Centre, in Farnham Road, will be at an additional cost of £650,000, the building will operate at a loss once open and it is unlikely to create jobs for residents.

However, describing it as “iconic” Mr Parkin said: “There will be a theatre space for concerts and, who knows, you may even have Robbie Williams.

“We have to think big and beyond and that’s what Slough Borough Council are trying to do.”

Speaking after the meeting cllr Bains said: “This is Slough’s Millennium Dome.

“Slough residents now know why the Labour Party have increased council tax. It’s to not only fund a loss-making enterprise but to also maintain this costly building that will serve very little purpose to residents.”

Council leader, Rob Anderson, said: “We are proud to be opening new libraries and leisure centres, not closing them like neighbouring towns – the message from Slough Conservatives is clear: if they were in charge they would join in the cutting too, and close this town down.”

The Curve is now set to open at the end of June or beginning of July.