Appropriation of Wokingham Elms Field / Wellington House area
Proposals to revitalise Wokingham town centre are a step closer after Wokingham Borough Council agreed last night (Thursday July 26) to legally appropriate the Elms Field / Wellington House area.
The Wokingham project aims to open up the southern end of the town, making it a must-visit place for all ages, drawing people into the town centre and boosting its vitality, whilst maintaining the character of the town. It also aims to set a trend for other high quality improvements in the town.
Appropriation is a legal process required by the Local Government Act in order for the council to potentially update the use of the land. The future use of the land will be decided by the planning process not appropriation.
Champion for town centres Wokingham Cllr Chris Bowring said: “This is an ambitious project that is set to bring many benefits to the town centre and its residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors. I really do believe it will bring great community benefits to the town, such as increased footfall, greater choice and improved open space.
“We have considered all of the feedback received under this legal process and have taken it into account. There was a spread of comments with key themes including open space and transport issues.”
The council has agreed to the recommendation that any proposals must allow for a significant area of the land to be used for open recreational purposes and for a contribution to the car-parking needs of the town centre.
The brief from the Wokingham council asked for schemes that achieve a balance between:
- providing a new southern gateway to the town centre
- improving the economic viability and social vitality of the town whilst maintaining its character
- providing high quality open space
- improving links between the town centre, Wellington Road leisure area and the railway stations
- providing high quality and well-designed development
- considering the opportunities that evening weekend trading might offer
- ensuring a financially viable scheme
“We have received feedback, some critical, suggesting that this is solely a money-making scheme. We’re aiming to increase the town centre’s vitality and secure its future prosperity. To do this, the scheme does have to be financially viable. Any section 106 (developer contribution) monies received will contribute to infrastructure, such as schools and roads,” said Cllr Bowring.
“I would encourage people to come and see how the six developers have responded to the brief. The schemes are on display in the council’s Shute End offices – now extended until August 10 - with feedback forms available to submit comments.”
And an extra Saturday session has been arranged for August 4 when councillors and officers will be on hand between 9am and 1pm. Alternatively, developers will be on hand to explain their proposals between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday August 2.
The council will be undertaking a thorough evaluation of all of the proposals. Once a final partner is selected, further work will take place to finalise a scheme before beginning the planning process which will involve addressing issues such as traffic implications through a full impact assessment. It will also involve further public consultation in which people will once again be encouraged to take part.
The Wokingham project aims to open up the southern end of the town, making it a must-visit place for all ages, drawing people into the town centre and boosting its vitality, whilst maintaining the character of the town. It also aims to set a trend for other high quality improvements in the town.
Appropriation is a legal process required by the Local Government Act in order for the council to potentially update the use of the land. The future use of the land will be decided by the planning process not appropriation.
Champion for town centres Wokingham Cllr Chris Bowring said: “This is an ambitious project that is set to bring many benefits to the town centre and its residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors. I really do believe it will bring great community benefits to the town, such as increased footfall, greater choice and improved open space.
“We have considered all of the feedback received under this legal process and have taken it into account. There was a spread of comments with key themes including open space and transport issues.”
The council has agreed to the recommendation that any proposals must allow for a significant area of the land to be used for open recreational purposes and for a contribution to the car-parking needs of the town centre.
The brief from the Wokingham council asked for schemes that achieve a balance between:
- providing a new southern gateway to the town centre
- improving the economic viability and social vitality of the town whilst maintaining its character
- providing high quality open space
- improving links between the town centre, Wellington Road leisure area and the railway stations
- providing high quality and well-designed development
- considering the opportunities that evening weekend trading might offer
- ensuring a financially viable scheme
“We have received feedback, some critical, suggesting that this is solely a money-making scheme. We’re aiming to increase the town centre’s vitality and secure its future prosperity. To do this, the scheme does have to be financially viable. Any section 106 (developer contribution) monies received will contribute to infrastructure, such as schools and roads,” said Cllr Bowring.
“I would encourage people to come and see how the six developers have responded to the brief. The schemes are on display in the council’s Shute End offices – now extended until August 10 - with feedback forms available to submit comments.”
And an extra Saturday session has been arranged for August 4 when councillors and officers will be on hand between 9am and 1pm. Alternatively, developers will be on hand to explain their proposals between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday August 2.
The council will be undertaking a thorough evaluation of all of the proposals. Once a final partner is selected, further work will take place to finalise a scheme before beginning the planning process which will involve addressing issues such as traffic implications through a full impact assessment. It will also involve further public consultation in which people will once again be encouraged to take part.
Wokingham Borough Council
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