THE future for Slough's town centre is looking bright according to one property company as it hails the successful opening of new shops and restaurants.
British Land is working to bring more 'vibrancy' to the town centre and introduce more activities and events.
Coffee shops, restaurants, a soft play area and a boxing club have all opened in recent months despite the challenges retail has faced throughout the pandemic.
The property group has said it is continuing to support new and existing tenants ahead of the proposed redevelopment of the Queensmere Shopping Centre, known as Slough Central.
The redevelopment aims to secure the long-term vibrancy of the area, as explained by British Land.
Alex Long, lead asset manager at British Land, said: “British Land has continued to support existing retailers and to invite new tenants into the shopping centres, despite the challenging context for the retail and hospitality industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic and wider trends.”
The ‘Shop Local’ campaign has been run throughout the pandemic and has promoted Slough’s independent retailers.
And in the last year, Queensmere Shopping Centre has welcomed new retailers to its premises.
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Mr Long added: “We were delighted to welcome RKM Coffee to the Queensmere Shopping Centre recently, following on from the openings of a number of new restaurants last year, including ChicKing, Burger Forge and Ryyan Fishmongers.”
Soft play area, Teddy’s Playtown, also opened in Summer 2021 and has attracted families across Berkshire.
And Kayani Camp Boxing Club opened in June last year for those looking to improve their fitness.
Mr Long explained British Land has hosted and provided funding for a Kids’ Club in the shopping centre, delivering free activities including crafts and face-painting.
The ‘One Great Day’ charity event, held in October 2021, included several activities, such as boxing, rollerblading, and a bake sale.
Mr Long said: “We are delighted that the event raised over £1,000, split equally between Great Ormond Street Hospital and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice – a local charity which provides specialist care and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families.
“We have been keen to support local employment, having recently supported The Launch Group in delivering an employability programme providing skills training to local people and hosted a number of jobs fairs."
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A temporary Jobcentre Plus has also opened in the shopping centre December, with 39 work coaches offering one-to-one support to help self-employed Universal Credit recipients and other jobseekers to access employment opportunities.
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