A ‘GAME changer’ town centre redevelopment project three years in the making has finally been approved, but a senior councillor has admitted he is nervous about the sheer level of development taking place.

Approval was finally given by councillors for the ambitious redevelopment of the Queensmere Shopping Centre, in High Street, Slough, during a planning meeting on Thursday last week.

It is hoped the 130,000 sq ft redevelopment featuring five soaring towers will provide a ‘vibrant social scene’ offering glass front-facing shops, restaurants, cafes, eight new retail boxes and 675 homes.

Speaking after the meeting cllr James Swindlehurst, commissioner for neighbourhoods and renewal and deputy leader of the council, admitted that although he was excited by the plan, he was also nervous about the level of development taking place in the town centre.

He said: “The town is changing quite fast at the moment. The way we’re handling the housing need is for a higher density of development in the centre to protect the suburbs. And the price of that protection is for the town centre to expand. The volume does make me a little nervous.”

He is, however, excited at the prospect of what the development will offer including what he hopes will be an ‘iconic’ viewing tower, offering views right across South Bucks.

Mark Cooper, head of development at Criterion Capital which owns Queensmere, said: “There is huge latent potential in Slough and we are excited by the opportunity to deliver a truly mixed-use scheme that will offer expansion space, attract new occupiers and deliver vital new homes that will provide a catalyst for the regeneration and rejuvenation of Slough town centre.”

Since a planning meeting in July, where the project was deferred as councillors disliked the height of the western tower, amendments have been made.

Although the plans have been approved, this is subject to a remodelling of the entrance from McKenzie Square - something members are confident will be delivered.

Conditions have also been implemented to ensure a ‘substantial start’ on construction within the first year.