The multi-million pound scheme to regenerate Wokingham town centre will be gathering pace in 2012.

Wokingham Borough Council and developer Wilson Bowden’s proposals include new modern retail units, an anchor foodstore, a new park and town centre homes which will create a vibrant and attractive mixed-use development, which fits with the special status of Wokingham as a unique market town. The regeneration will focus on refurbishing and redeveloping Peach Place as a fashion retail destination and transforming Denmark Street, Wellington Road and Elms Field into a destination for alternative food retail, leisure and relaxation. 

During the summer, over 1,750 people attended a public exhibition, held in an empty shop, to view proposed layouts, along with an artist impression of how the town could benefit from regeneration. 

Over 500 comments were received on the proposals. Overall, over 70per cent of people who responded supported the concept of the town centre regeneration with others expressing support subject to reassurance on some issues of concern. 

Overall the main comments focussed on: market town feel, traffic and parking, open space / Elms Field, shops and pedestrian access. An executive summary of the findings will be available at:  www.wokinghamregeneration.co.uk in January 2012.Wokingham Borough Council and Wilson Bowden are reviewing the feedback received with a view to seeking to address concerns and resolve outstanding issues where appropriate. 

Cllr Matt Deegan, executive member for community regeneration, said: "We were really pleased with the number of people that attended the exhibitions in the summer. We are continuing to develop these proposals, taking on board comments where it’s appropriate and we plan to submit planning applications next year. 

"People were very vocal at the exhibition, and since, and we are well aware that we won’t please everyone. But we did receive a large number of positive comments – it was great that the exhibition allowed positive debate on what is needed in the town centre and how it can be delivered. I think we are all clear we need to do something to bring the town back to life – next year is going to be an exciting time as plans will really gather pace." 

Patrick Arthurs, planning director for Wilson Bowden, said: "We were very encouraged with the largely positive response to the indicative scheme design, we will continue to work with the local community and technical teams to refine the development proposals and where possible address concerns raised.  We remain committed to the project and look forward to working with the council in helping to achieve the wider regeneration ambitions and vision for the town." 

Work will continue over the coming months to prepare detailed planned applications. Applications to refurbish Peach Place will be submitted in Spring 2012, with the remaining scheme proposals being submitted towards the end of 2012. All will be subject to formal planning consultation.