focus on slough
Slough: Hitting the headlines for all the right reasons
Andy Howell, general manager at Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) which is a proud joint-venture partnership between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments, gives an insight into SUR’s recent successes and current pipeline and tells us why he believes Slough is finally hitting the headlines, for all the right reasons
I would hope many of the business people and the residents of Slough would agree that over recent years, Slough has been experiencing some really positive change – making it a more attractive place to live, work and stay.
There is no denying that the town has previously been maligned by negative perceptions. Up until even very recently you would be hard pushed to find an article written about the town that resisted the temptation to quote Betjeman’s famous poem. However, with recent research depicting Slough as “the most productive place in the UK” (Centre for Cities report) and the “top place to work in the UK” (Glassdoor), Slough’s fortunes appear to be on the up and it is looking forward as a place to do business.
A new partnership driving positive change for Slough
It was back in 2013 when Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) was first established. Since then, we have achieved some huge milestones and shared some great successes. Not least, the delivery of The Curve, Slough’s flagship and award-winning new library and cultural centre. We have since gone on to deliver new housing (both private and social), new school facilities and new sporting and community spaces, with lots more to come.
A hidden gem
In development and investment terms, I truly believe that Slough is a hidden gem. Now is the time to make sure economic growth and development in Slough is accelerated. With the imminent arrival of Crossrail in 2019 and the Government’s commitment to the Heathrow expansion, Slough is ideally placed to drive forward growth and investment like never before.
2017: a year of successes
If we take a moment to reflect, 2017 represented a tremendous period for SUR in terms of changing perceptions and delivering projects that will make a positive contribution to Slough and its people. From delivering our first residential housing scheme Milestone (which enjoyed a sell- out success), to handing over to the council and the wider community Arbour Park – a new, award-winning, multi-million-pound Community Sports Facility (CSF) and completing school improvement projects for James Elliman Academy, Claycots Primary and the Priory School; we had a busy and rewarding year.
While we are already celebrating numerous successes within the town, there really is lots more to come. With so many projects under way or in the pipeline, all set to make
Slough an even better place to live and work, we are continuing to be a catalyst for change within the town. In turn, we believe this will only help to attract more businesses, both big and small, and more talent, while improving and enhancing the existing services and facilities.
So, what’s to come?
The council is investing considerably in improving and delivering additional leisure and community facilities for the town, promoting active healthy lifestyles but also attracting more people and as a result, more business into the town.
More leisure projects underway:
• The Ice Arena. Works are already underway for a major refurbishment and extension of the Ice Arena, home to the Slough Jets. A grand public opening of the new facilities is planned for the end of April 2018.
• The Centre. We are in the process of delivering a new multi-million-pound leisure facility with a 25m swimming pool and learner pool, sports hall, gym and exercise studios.
• Langley Leisure Centre. This is a major swimming pool refurbishment and extension of the gym facilities. Construction is now under way, with the centre due to re-open to the public this Summer.
• Salt Hill Activity Centre. The former ten- pin bowling alley is to be transformed into a family activity centre including trampolining, high wires course, caving zone, six ten-pin lanes, soft play, café and bar all due to be open this Summer.
More school improvements Claycots Primary School
We are continuing to deliver improvements and enhancements to the town’s schools. In recent years, Slough has experienced an explosion in its population and demand for school places has increased. We have completed four primary school projects and we are progressing with three more, including a major extension at Wexham Secondary School and Haybrook College.
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businessmag.co.uk THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – MARCH/APRIL 2018
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