Slough’s Town Centre Transformation Takes a Significant Step Forward

Slough town centre has taken another massive leap in its regeneration story with news that phase 1 of the Queensmere shopping centre redevelopment, delivered by Berkeley Homes, has received a unanimous approval of reserved matters by the borough’s councillors.

The decision paves the way for 359 new homes across a series of buildings ranging from four to 16 storeys, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the town centre. Slough Central will replace an ageing shopping centre with a mixed-use neighbourhood designed for the next generation of residents.

Supporting Local People and Places

As one of the most significant regeneration projects in the Thames Valley, the development will create new opportunities for residents through improved public spaces, modern homes and a more vibrant town centre. It will also strengthen Slough’s appeal to businesses and investors looking to be part of the town’s long-term growth.

Beyond new homes, the regeneration will support jobs during construction and create opportunities for local businesses as more people live, work and spend time in the town centre, helping to future-proof it for the next generation.

Berkeley Homes said the development represents an important step in creating a more vibrant and connected town centre.

Caroline Crowe, Land & Development Director, Berkeley Homes, comments: “We are delighted that officers and local councillors enthusiastically supported our proposals for the first phase of Slough Central, describing it as a ‘thing of beauty’, marking an important milestone for the future of Slough town centre. 

“This achievement reflects our long-term commitment to Slough and to delivering high-quality regeneration. Whilst we face a currently challenging and evolving market, we will be working hard over the coming months to unlock this complex site.” 

A vision for a Better-Connected Town Centre

The first phase of the regeneration is designed to do more than provide new homes. It will reshape the heart of Slough with high-quality public spaces that encourage people to spend more time in the town centre. Plans include Herschel Square, a new civic space for community events and everyday use, alongside Station Walk, a pedestrian-friendly route connecting Slough railway station with the town centre. The distinctive striped paving along Station Walk will celebrate Slough's place in history as the location of the UK's first zebra crossing, installed in 1951, adding a unique sense of identity to the new public realm.

Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Regeneration, Environment and Planning at Slough Borough Council says: “The reserved matters application approval marks an exciting next step to deliver much-needed new homes, create high-quality public spaces and support a thriving town centre for years to come. Slough Central is about creating a place where people want to live, work and spend time.

“By bringing new homes, improved connections and vibrant public spaces together, we're laying the foundations for a town centre that better reflects the ambitions of our residents and businesses. We're pleased to be working with Berkeley Homes to bring this long-term vision to life and look forward to seeing work begin on the first phase of this important regeneration project.”

Designed for Modern Town Centre Living

Slough Central, designed by EPR Architects, is planned to deliver up to 1,600 homes. The proposed first phase would provide 359 homes, offering a mix of apartment sizes to suit a wide range of residents, helping to meet the needs of first-time buyers, professionals, couples and families alike.

Rather than creating a development that feels cut off from the town, the buildings have been designed to connect with the surrounding streets and public spaces. Shops, community spaces, landscaped areas and pedestrian routes will help create a neighbourhood where people can live, work and spend time, while the varying building heights, from four to 16 storeys, have been carefully arranged to add interest to the skyline and make the most of the town centre location.

With plans for the first phase continuing to progress, the town centre is entering an exciting new period of growth. By combining new homes, improved public spaces and better connections, the regeneration will help create a town centre that meets the needs of today’s residents while attracting the people, businesses and investment that will shape its future.

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