Wokingham

People, groups and organisations across the district are being reminded to get their ideas for unlocking the potential south of Wokingham town centre with less than two weeks left in the ‘Key to the Gateway’ project.

Wokingham District Council’s ‘Key to the Gateway’ initiative to open up the Wellington House and Elms Field area and make it the southern gateway to Wokingham town aims to develop and revitalise the south of the town, significantly contributing to the vitality of Wokingham town centre.

Before the council goes ahead and develops a vision for the south of the town centre it wants everyone to submit their ideas to guide how the project moves forward. And with 11 days left until the closing date of July 17, people are being urged to let the council know their ideas.

People can view displays on the project at Wokingham District Council’s Shute End offices, Wokingham library and Wokingham Town Hall. Leaflets are also available from these locations as well as on the district council’s website at www.wokingham.gov.uk.

“We really want to encourage local people and organisations to let us have their ideas and suggestions. We want to know what people think the area needs and what would suit the site,” said chief executive Doug Patterson.

“This area could be a strategic entrance to the town centre providing much wanted facilities and a welcoming gateway to visitors from the south side of the town. In order to get it right, we want the public to kick off the ideas which we can then take forward to make this concept a reality.”

Some ideas were already discussed at the project launch on Monday June 5 when topics covered included the best use of valuable green space in the town centre; how to best engage the private sector; how to consider potential plans in line with development proposed for other areas of the town centre and achieve a balance of uses; traffic and transport links to the town centre; how to best utilise car parking; creating cultural spaces to complement the town centre and involving both young and older residents and visitors.

Other ideas submitted to the council include retail complementary to the existing town centre and communal facilities for older people.

Feedback forms should be returned to ‘Key to the Gateway’, property services, civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WH. Alternatively, ideas can be emailed to keytothegateway@wokingham.gov.uk.

The area set to become the gateway to the south of the town encompasses Wellington House, Elms Field, the Paddocks car park and the nearby open space - all of which are in the single ownership of the council.

Opportunities exist to re-plan and redevelop this area, whilst still maintaining the unique character of Wokingham town. Wellington House is becoming unsuitable for delivering council services and plans are being drawn up to vacate the building. Some of the existing open space is low quality and under-used.

The council is calling for strong, well-thought out ideas that feature a balance of uses including business, leisure, residential, community and green space that complement the town centre and make it a place for everyone to enjoy. In order for ideas to be progressed, they will need to be self-financing, viable, sustainable and meet identified needs of the community.

Wokingham council will then use these ideas to bring forward a comprehensively planned and self-financing scheme at no additional cost to the council taxpayer.

The ‘Key to the Gateway’ initiative is open to all - local residents, business, health care providers, local developers, local councillors, local groups - everyone. The closing date for ideas to be submitted to the council is July 17, 2006.

Wokingham District Council