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“PRoM and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead have opened a dialogue, highlighted the opportunity, but it’s only just scratched the surface of Maidenhead’s potential,” he added.
Egan commented: “There is excitement about the regeneration of the town-centre, but there’s also some trepidation that while the new initiatives by themselves might be attractive, they need to deliver a cohesive plan – the sum of the parts needs to be greater than the individual components.”
PRoM has always seen its regeneration plans as advancing in phases up to 2026. “It’s already clear that some will come in ahead of schedule, others will take longer,” admits Dulson, while highlighting that Crossrail’s arrival is a significant milestone date that will focus minds and add impetus.
The train now arriving ...
PRoM was partly established in anticipation of Crossrail’s arrival in Maidenhead – now scheduled for December 2019.
Our contributors largely view Crossrail as a magnificent opportunity for Maidenhead, if the town is able to exploit its local advantages.
“You don’t have to work or live in London to service London-based businesses, but it is important to be able to get there quickly if needs be. Crossrail will improve that connectivity, and lower overheads in Maidenhead will enable businesses servicing London and other counties to do so at more competitive rates,” explained Stone.
That opportunity and optimism is obviously shared by forward-thinking businesses, national retail chains, and home-seekers alike. Our property specialists confirmed that Maidenhead is already seeing “a fantastic surge in popularity.”
“Over the past 12 months businesses have been relocating to Maidenhead from London. They understand Maidenhead will benefit from Crossrail and provide new amenities within the planned development projects,” explained Harris.
“Residential values have also risen over the past few years with investors and owner-occupiers
Chapel Arches: work underway
being attracted to Maidenhead. Properties are selling quickly. Record rents have been achieved on new properties.
“We anticipate increased housing and business demand coming to Maidenhead. No doubt the town will fill up, putting pressure on the town- centre to provide more,” he added.
Kempton agreed: “The Crossrail factor is already greater than I ever expected, with residential property prices already rising and commercial starting to catch up.”
“A number of large businesses have already relocated to the area, attracted by the lower rent per sq ft than nearer London. There is also good quality office and commercial accommodation on the edge of town with plenty of parking,” added Dean.
“Crossrail is a major strength and that’s seen by activity in the commercial property sector and the keenness of some major employers to look at the potential for pulling people out of London to Maidenhead to work, as opposed to traffic going the other way,” said Wilson.
There is anecdotal evidence of the Crossrail effect enhancing the town’s appeal, and a trend for
CGI of Chapel Arches: being developed in association with the council, Shanly Homes and Maidenhead Waterways
young London couples to relocate here to benefit from a better lifestyle for their families.
Stone, Dean, Egan, Dulson, and Wilson all pointed out that Crossrail would not be Maidenhead’s only future Thames Valley transportation advantage, with WRAtH and First Great Western mainline electrification being ongoing projects.
“WRAtH will have a major positive impact on traffic coming to and from Heathrow, from the Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead area, making us ever more attractive to those looking to invest in our community,” said Wilson.
“Maidenhead businesses need to capitalise on the Crossrail effect and the benefits of working in Maidenhead now,” Dean urged.
One reason for Dean’s concern is that Crossrail (the ‘Elizabeth Line’ when launched in London in December 2018) is potentially a twin-edged sword – an inward and outward route for talented workers.
Can Maidenhead attract and retain a 21st century workforce?
Maidenhead’s central location provides it with a huge potential Thames Valley catchment area, but the town also needs to be attractive – a place where people want to work, and perhaps settle down.
Maidenhead and its surrounding villages do provide an enviable lifestyle, with beautiful countryside, top sport and leisure facilities, great local schools and some outstanding restaurants such as The Fat Duck and The Waterside.
And, while businesses and west London residents already relocating to the town are positives, future Maidenhead workforce transportation remains a concern.
“Car access to the town-centre from the M4 and the Bath Road from Slough is frequently congested. Road infrastructure needs to be
www.businessmag.co.uk THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – MAY 2016
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