Last updated:
15th June 2026
Community
Creating places people love to be
Changes to Wokingham’s town centre were designed to create places where people want to spend time together.
Beautiful spaces are nothing without local people making the most of them.
Elms Field has transformed from an under-used park to a site which shines for a diary of events run by Wokingham Town Council, which maintains the area, and other partner organisations.
Wokingham May Fayre, Party in the Park, Theatre in the Park and Wokingham Winter Carnival are some of the events making the most of the space and wider town centre.
Being able to run large events open to all means the space is working as it was designed to.
The central square at Peach Place is abuzz most weekends as people enjoy the hospitality venues, especially in the summer when the sun is shining.
It’s regularly used jointly by the business tenants to run shared events, as well as hosting music through the summer and other events.
‘It makes us proud and enriches our community’
Cllr Louise Timlin, Wokingham town mayor 2025/26, says Elms Field helps Wokingham Town Council to achieve its aims to be sustainable, involve everyone, foster town pride and enrich the community.
She said: “On our doorstep children have a large adventure play area which is much used and loved, and includes an accessible swing and music equipment, as well as a toddler area, so all children can enjoy it.
“The restaurants and cafés make great use of the car-free pavement space for tables and chairs. These dining options along with accessible benches provide a tranquil space for people to relax in the heart of our town.
“The green space, mature trees and planted areas provide a haven for people and nature, enhanced by the great work of our Wokingham in Bloom volunteers.
“We also run some of our much-loved events in this space - including Party in Park, the car show, Theatre in the Park (aimed at our younger residents) and the space is well used for our May Fayre and Winter Carnival. Not to mention the many and varied commercial events which take place there.
“Overall, this is a well-loved space used by so many in our community, from children and families, to commuters and workers, of all ages. It certainly makes us proud and enriches our community!”
Homes at the heart of the town
Hundreds of homes have been added in central locations as part of the regeneration, giving people a place to live at the heart of the town centre.
Resident Jamie Rothwell brought his children up in the town and moved into a house at Elms Field in 2021,
Jamie said: “My wife is from Wokingham and I have lived in Wokingham for 25 years. Our children were born here and grown up here.
“It feels very safe and friendly and being around Elms Field certainly puts you at the heart of the town, with everything you need on your doorstep. We hardly ever use our car now!
“We love living in the centre of Wokingham, the regeneration around Elms Field has brought life and a community to an under-used and unloved area of Wokingham.
“It’s nice that it is very well looked after and there are regular events on in the field that are great to attend.
“When we moved into Elms Field there was already a WhatsApp group set up by one of the first residents to move in. We all keep in regular contact, supporting each other and have regular events to meet up – usually at Salty Olive.
“We are long-term residents of Wokingham, it’s a much better and safer area to be there now. We hardly ever used the area before, other than the car park.”
Making people feel welcome
The wider Wokingham Borough has welcomed many new arrivals, who have commented on how they love the area they’ve moved to.
Athlon Chan arrived in Wokingham from Hong Kong in 2022 and says he’s really noticed the sense of community in the area. He set up Wokingham 360 to celebrate the town he now calls home.
“When my family and I moved to Wokingham a few years ago, one of the things that stood out to me was how much the town values coming together.
“Events like the May Fayre, Party in the Park and the Winter Carnival are more than just events, they are moments when the whole town feels connected.
“As someone who enjoys filming and telling local stories, I even started a social media page (Wokingham360) to share the good and cherish the character of Wokingham.
“During these events, places like Market Place, Peach Place and Elms Field come alive with music, laughter and friendly faces. These small moments show what makes this town special - a strong sense of community.”
