Wokingham

Wokingham Residents, businesses and community groups are being urged to take part in the next stage of the Key to the Gateway project with developers’ submissions going on display tomorrow (Tuesday June 26).

Looking to revitalise the Elms Field area in Wokingham and provide a new gateway to the town centre, the council has invited developers to come up with ideas to improve the area. From tomorrow, for a period of six weeks, the submissions will be on display at the council’s civic offices at Shute End in Wokingham, and the local community will be asked for their comments. Closing dates for comments is Tuesday August 7.

Champion for town centres Wokingham Cllr Chris Bowring said: “This is an enormously exciting project for me and I’m delighted to have been asked to be the lead member for it. I truly believe that Wokingham deserves an improved town centre and that belief is what is driving this project along.

“I’ve only had a brief glance at the submissions which only came in at the end of last week, but I think we can be very pleased at the professionalism that all six developers have shown in the way they have created these displays.

“It’s now time for our residents to consider the various aspects of all six schemes and to let us know their views. The council will be undertaking a rigorous assessment of all of the schemes and, after that process, will take a decision on how to proceed.

“I really would encourage everyone to take part in the project and let us have their views.”

The exhibition of submissions will be in reception at the civic offices at Shute End, Wokingham, for a period of six weeks from Tuesday June 26 along with a feedback form for visitors to give their views. Responses can be dropped into the box provided or returned by mail to Key to the Gateway, Property Services, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WH.

The exhibition will be open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm.

The Wokingham council will evaluate and assess the submissions over the summer and is not expected to select a final partner for the project until some time in the autumn. The planning process will then follow, with residents again able to have their say on any plans.

Wokingham Borough Council