Berkeley Group’s High Street Acquisition Accelerates Next Phase of Slough’s Regeneration.

Slough’s regeneration journey has taken another confident stride forward with the announcement that Berkeley Group is set to acquire the Queensmere and Observatory shopping centres, a move that marks a major milestone in the town’s transformation. This latest development strengthens Slough’s position as one of the most exciting investment destinations in the South East – if not the U.K. – and demonstrates real momentum in the town's long-term vision.

Pat Hayes, the Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council, summed up the significance of this acquisition: “Berkeley are already delivering the exceptionally high-quality central Slough, Horlicks Factory scheme, and they are a company with the financial clout, expertise and ambition to deliver a comprehensive transformation of the High Street.

“Ultimately, this isn't just a good news story, it's a clear signal to investors that Slough is serious about regeneration. With planning already secured, strong public-private partnerships, and an established developer on board, the risks are lower and the potential returns ever greater. With this announcement, and the start of work on the former TVU site and completion of the Horlicks Quarter, Slough is on the cusp of conversion.”

A Regeneration Vision Accelerates

Berkeley Group, already at the heart of Slough’s renewal with the Horlicks Quarter, will now take forward plans for Slough Central, one of the most major redevelopment opportunities in the South East. This highly prominent 9.2-acre site already has outline planning consent for 1,600 new homes, alongside an exciting mix of retail, leisure, and entertainment spaces.

The addition of high-quality public realm, landscaped areas, community amenities, and new pedestrian routes will completely reimagine this part of the town, improving connections to the train station, Wellington Street and the southern end of the High Street.

Importantly, this isn’t just about new buildings, it’s about creating a new identity for Slough town centre that reflects the diversity, energy, and ambition of its community. Berkeley Group’s track record and commitment to sustainability, quality, and placemaking is a clear sign that Slough’s regeneration is in the right hands.

 

Why Investors Are Turning Their Attention to Slough

There’s no denying that Slough’s strategic location is one of its biggest advantages. Just 20 miles from London, with the Elizabeth Line now operational and Heathrow Airport just a stone’s throw away, the town has long been a powerhouse for business. But it’s the new wave of regeneration, from residential developments to improved transport links and community infrastructure, that’s drawing the attention of savvy investors.

What’s Happing at the Horlicks Quarter

The Horlicks Quarter is a perfect example of regeneration done right. Once home to the iconic factory, the site is now being transformed into a vibrant new neighbourhood offering everything from sleek studios and family homes to rooftop gardens, biodiversity features, and over £5 million in infrastructure improvements. With retail, leisure, and green space at its core, it’s setting the standard for what modern town centre living can look like.

 

A Town on the Cusp of Transformation

The regeneration of the Queensmere and Observatory shopping centres is just one piece of the puzzle. Plans are also progressing on the North West Quadrant at the former TVU site, located between the High Street and the Horlicks Quarter, another key mixed-use scheme which had previously stalled. Combine this with the wider £1 billion regeneration programme across Slough and it’s clear, this town is on the cusp of real, lasting transformation.

 

Building a Greener, Healthier Slough

Sustainability sits at the heart of Slough’s regeneration plans, ensuring that as the town grows, it does so in a way that benefits both people and the planet. Developments like the Horlicks Quarter are leading the charge with features such as rooftop gardens, cultivated green spaces, and on-site bee hotels to promote biodiversity.

Cycle-friendly infrastructure and pedestrian-first design are helping to encourage healthier, low-carbon lifestyles, while investment in public realm improvements is creating places where communities can thrive.

These are not just aesthetic enhancements, they are thoughtful, future-proof design choices that reflect a forward-thinking vision. By integrating wellness, sustainability, and resilience into its developments, Slough is proving it’s not just building for today, but for generations to come.

Investors: get onboard now, because the future of Slough is already taking shape.