Press the video to hear the sound
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
“Slough stands on the threshold of a new era. Long recognised for its industrious spirit and global connections, the borough is poised to transform its economy, neighbourhoods, and identity. The Slough Regeneration Vision sets out how the town will build on its exceptional location, diverse talent, and legacy of innovation to create a greener, fairer, and more inclusive future.
“Strategically located on London’s western boundary, with unrivalled access to Heathrow, the M25, and the Elizabeth Line, Slough is uniquely placed to drive sustainable growth across the South East. Yet the borough faces real challenges: poor housing quality, uneven economic opportunity, and a town centre shaped by past retail dependency. Through regeneration, Slough will reclaim its urban heart, revitalise its degraded green belt, and reimagine its employment zones as engines of innovation, creativity, and community wellbeing.
“This Vision defines how Slough Council and its partners will guide change over the next 10–15 years. It sets priorities for investment in homes, jobs, skills, infrastructure, and the public realm, while placing inclusion, sustainability, and design excellence at the centre of growth.
“By unlocking the borough’s physical and social potential – expanding the area around the dynamic Slough Trading Estate, transforming the town centre, in partnership with Berkeley Group, regenerating the Colne Valley, and supporting new industries from advanced manufacturing to the data economy – Slough will reassert its place as a hub of British innovation.
“The outcome will be a borough with a renewed sense of pride and purpose: connected, resilient, and vibrant; a place where communities flourish, businesses invest, and the next generation sees opportunity on its doorstep. “Cutting Edge, Community, Connectivity – these are the hallmarks of the new Slough.”
Building on Slough’s innovative past to shape our inclusive future.
Purpose of the document
This Regeneration Vision articulates a shared ambition for Slough’s transformation over the next 10–15 years. It provides a framework to guide investment, planning, and partnership working, ensuring that growth delivers tangible benefits for residents, businesses, and the wider region. It is not a masterplan, but a statement of intent: a direction of travel grounded in opportunity, collaboration, and design-led regeneration.
Context: why regeneration matters now
Slough’s industrial legacy and proximity to London have long defined its standing. Yet decades of underinvestment in housing, an overreliance on retail, and fragmented development have constrained its potential. The borough now faces the twin pressures of economic transition and social inequality. Regeneration offers the means to address both – creating better homes, stronger neighbourhoods, and an economy that works for everyone.
Slough Council’s commitment and values
The Council is committed to a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and driven by quality. Every regeneration initiative will be guided by the principles of Design Excellence, Social Value, and Environmental Responsibility. Working with developers, investors, and the community, the Council will pursue a “win-win” approach: achieving financial viability while delivering genuine public benefit.
OUR VISION AND AMBITION
Cutting Edge, Community, Connectivity.
Long-term goals for Slough
Our vision is to turn Slough around – physically, socially, and economically – by creating a borough that matches its people’s ambition. Within 15 years, Slough will be known as a place of opportunity and innovation, where modern living, enterprise, and environmental quality go hand in hand.
Defining success in 10–15 years
Success means a significant population increase, supported by new, high-quality, and affordable homes, a regenerated town centre, and revitalised employment areas. It means an economy that attracts and retains talent, offering stable, well-paid jobs. It means green, walkable and sustainable neighbourhoods where every resident feels connected – to opportunity, to nature, and to one another.
SLOUGH’S STRENGTHS AND OPPORTUNITIES
At the crossroads of innovation and opportunity.
Strategic location and connectivity
Slough is one of the best-connected urban centres in Britain. Situated on the M4 corridor and the Elizabeth Line, it offers direct access to London, Heathrow, Reading, and across the South East. The forthcoming Western Rail Link to Heathrow will enhance its global gateway status, making it a prime location for business and residential investment alike.
Diverse communities and talent
Home to one of the most diverse populations in the UK, Slough thrives on cultural richness and entrepreneurial energy. Its people represent every continent, bringing skills, creativity, and resilience. This diversity underpins Slough’s economic dynamism and offers a competitive advantage in the global economy.
Economic and cultural advantages
From the Slough Trading Estate – Europe’s largest by single ownership – housing over 15,000 jobs, to its proximity to Heathrow supporting 80,000 more, Slough’s economy is embedded in global supply chains. Culturally, the borough benefits from its youthful demographics and growing creative industries. With the right regeneration strategy, Slough can harness this ene
Emerging opportunities for growth
-
Slough Trading Estate’s continued expansion and modernisation – integrating employment and residential uses through a Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ)
-
Town centre renewal – repurposing retail space, creating mixed-use neighbourhoods, and improving the public realm
-
Green belt regeneration – transforming the Colne Valley corridor with up to 5,000 new homes, lakeside living, and enhanced biodiversity. • Data and technology economy – leveraging local infrastructure for digital innovation and green energy use.
SEGRO And One Hundred Years of Enterprise
SEGRO’s sustained stewardship of the Slough Trading Estate represents a unique asset in the United Kingdom’s economic landscape. Over the last century the estate has transitioned from a post-war industrial zone into a recognised business location that accommodates more than three hundred firms across a diverse range of sectors. This includes world leaders in data services, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, logistics, technology development and advanced manufacturing.
The transformation has been achieved through continuous reinvestment, proactive estate management and an ability to anticipate the needs of future industries. SEGRO has upgraded the estate’s infrastructure to provide highcapacity digital connectivity, flexible workspace configurations and high environmental standards that align with the needs of modern occupiers. The company has also invested in landscaped routes, biodiversity improvements, improved lighting and sustainable travel access, which enhance the experience for workers and strengthen the estate’s community identity.
The success of the Slough Trading Estate is deeply connected to Slough’s strategic geography. Rapid access to Heathrow, the M4 corridor, the Elizabeth Line and national rail has made the estate a preferred location for domestic and international companies looking to expand. Together, this concentration of businesses generates thousands of high-quality jobs and contributes significantly to Slough’s position as an economic powerhouse for the wider Thames Valley.
The long-term partnership between SEGRO and Slough reflects how responsible investors can drive resilience, innovation and inclusive growth. It is a foundation for the next chapter of Slough’s regeneration strategy and a benchmark for future business environments in the borough.
SUCCESS STORY
PRIORITIES FOR REGENERATION
Reclaim. Reimagine. Regenerate.
Housing and neighbourhood renewal
Slough’s housing challenge is both quantitative and qualitative. The borough needs thousands of new homes – and the renewal of 6,000 councilowned properties that are no longer fit for purpose. The priority is to deliver mixedtenure, well-designed, and family-friendly homes across both the town centre and green belt locations, ensuring residents can thrive within safe, inclusive, and connected neighbourhoods.
Town centre transformation
At the heart of the regeneration lies the ambition to reclaim the town centre. With retail oversupply and underused sites such as the Queensmere Observatory, the opportunity is to reimagine central Slough as a vibrant hub for living, working, learning, and leisure – anchored by culture and community. The partnership with Berkeley Group marks a pivotal step in catalysing this transformation.
The degraded green belt
Regeneration of Colnbrook and the Colne Valley will bring the green belt back to life – integrating high-quality housing, accessible green spaces, and sustainable transport routes along the Colne and Wraysbury rivers. This “green belt” transformation will demonstrate how environmental repair and development can coexist for the benefit of people and place.
Jobs, skills, and economic development
Regeneration will support job creation not only within Slough Trading Estate but across emerging industries. A dedicated Job Brokerage initiative will connect residents with new employment pathways, ensuring Slough’s growth directly benefits its people. Skills partnerships with local colleges and employers will align training to emerging sectors including AI, robotics, and bio-design.
Culture, leisure, and public realm
A successful regeneration strategy values culture as an economic asset. Public realm improvements – new plazas, walkways, lighting, and safe cycling routes – will foster vibrancy and inclusion, especially for women and young people. Active travel will be both a lifestyle and economic driver.
Alignment with regional and national strategies
This Vision aligns with the London Plan, Thames Valley Berkshire Strategic Economic Plan, and national priorities on housing delivery, netzero, and levelling up. Slough’s regeneration will not only benefit local residents, it will help deliver regional and national growth to support the UK economy.
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INVESTMENT
From industrial estate to innovation ecosystem.
The role of regeneration in shaping Slough’s economy
Regeneration will be the catalyst for the new economic era. By upgrading physical infrastructure, diversifying the employment base, and connecting people to skills, Slough will shift from an economy reliant on logistics and lower-wage sectors to one driven by innovation, green technology, and creativity.
Target sectors and growth industries
-
Advanced manufacturing and robotics
-
Data and digital infrastructure
-
Sustainable construction and design
-
Creative and cultural industries
-
Green energy and circular economy technologies
These industries will position Slough as the innovation heart of the Thames Valley, reinforcing its historic reputation for invention and production – from Hawker Hurricanes to fingerprint ID.
Supporting local businesses and talent
Slough’s regeneration will nurture local enterprise through affordable workspace, business incubators, such as Plus X, and sectorspecific training. Collaboration between Slough & Langley College, local employers, and Heathrow, amongst others, will strengthen pathways from education to employment, building a resilient, skilled workforce.
Investment-ready opportunities
-
Town centre residential and mixed-use sites through partnerships with companies including Berkeley Group, Schroders, Landsec, Homes England
-
Slough Trading Estate expansion and “innovation spine” development
-
Grey belt housing development at Colnbrook and Langley
-
Renewable energy and data centre co-location schemes
COMMUNITIES AND INCLUSION
Regeneration that works for everyone.
Ensuring regeneration benefits all residents
Regeneration is not only about transforming buildings, it’s about improving lives. Slough’s ambition is to ensure that every resident, regardless of age, income, or background, shares in the benefits of growth. As one of the youngest and most diverse boroughs in the UK, Slough embodies the modern British experience. Our Regeneration Vision places inclusion at its heart with positive outcomes for all: better housing, access to skills and jobs, cleaner air, safer streets, and stronger community connections.
Engaging young people and future generations
Young people are Slough’s greatest long-term asset. Engagement with schools, youth organisations, and digital innovators will make regeneration relatable and aspirational – showing that Slough’s future belongs to those growing up here today. The borough will expand partnerships that support youth entrepreneurship, apprenticeships, and creative skills, inspiring the next generation to become the engineers, creatives, and leaders shaping tomorrow’s Slough today.
Co-creation and community participation
Regeneration succeeds when it is co-created with the people who live it. The Council will embed participation into every stage of planning and delivery – through design workshops, community forums, and co-management of public spaces. Local voices will shape what gets built, where, and why, ensuring development reflects shared priorities rather than imposed change
Strengthening social cohesion
Through design, culture, and inclusive public spaces, Slough aims to strengthen the ties that bind its communities. Local celebrations, markets, and civic events will animate the borough’s town centre and neighbourhoods, fostering pride and belonging. Diversity will be celebrated not just as a demographic fact, but as a defining feature of Slough’s identity and advantage.
Community Voices and Inclusive Co-Design
The Community Voices Programme demonstrates Slough’s commitment to regeneration that is co-created with residents. The initiative was developed to ensure that investment in neighbourhoods is shaped by the people who use and value these places every day. Its approach is grounded in meaningful engagement, shared decision-making and practical actions that respond to lived experience.
For the selected neighbourhood park, the project team designed a programme that removed barriers to participation. Community roadshows, pop-up engagement in local schools, walking audits, creative workshops and digital tools provided varied opportunities for people of all ages to contribute. This produced richer insights into how different groups move through the space, what features they value most and what would make the park feel safer, greener and more welcoming.
The final design reflects these priorities. It includes new seating, modern play equipment, improved sightlines, lighting upgrades and planting that increases biodiversity and seasonal interest. The project has encouraged regular use throughout the day and across different age groups. Residents have reported improvements in safety and comfort, and community organisations now use the space for outdoor classes, events and social activities.
Community Voices has become a template for Slough’s wider regeneration plans. It demonstrates that co-design is not simply about consultation but about investing in long-term relationships with communities and enabling local people to shape the future of their neighbourhoods.
SUCCESS STORY
BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Designing dignity into place.
Delivering the homes that Slough needs
Slough’s Regeneration Vision places housing supply at the heart of a thriving, inclusive future. As the borough grows, so too does the need for homes that reflect the changing shape of its population – from young families and key workers to older residents living alone. The Council’s Housing Strategy seeks to accelerate high-quality development that meets this demand, delivering a balanced mix of private, affordable, and social homes across all bedroom sizes.
By strengthening partnerships with developers, Registered Providers, and investors, Slough will enable a pipeline of well-designed homes that reduce pressure on public services, support health and employment, and help residents put down long-term roots in the borough. Larger family homes, smaller adaptable units, and options for low-cost home ownership will each play a role in meeting need and widening choice.
New models and innovative solutions for delivery
Delivering homes at scale in one of the most densely built-up boroughs in the country requires new thinking and flexible delivery models. The Regeneration Vision champions community-led housing, self-build opportunities, and partnerships that empower residents to shape their neighbourhoods. Innovation in construction – particularly modular and precisionmanufactured homes – will support faster, more sustainable development, reducing congestion, emissions, and waste while ensuring every new home meets modern energy-efficiency standards.
The Council will explore alternative funding, off-site delivery opportunities, and institutional investment to diversify the housing offer, alongside joint ventures on suitable council-owned land to unlock muchneeded family housing and improve the quality and resilience of temporary accommodation. These approaches – which are central to the Regeneration Vision – will help Slough deliver more homes, more quickly, without compromising on design or environmental performance.
Planning strategy and regeneration
A strong planning framework will guide Slough’s housing growth and ensure that regeneration delivers mixed, balanced communities. Through the emerging Local Plan and its Spatial Strategy, the Council will allocate sites, set out clear expectations for dwelling mix and tenure, and use planning policies – including Section 106 obligations – to secure affordable housing where it is most needed.
Efficient use of land, high-quality design, and alignment with economic, environmental, and infrastructure priorities will help tackle overcrowding, rebalance local housing markets, and deliver over 8,000 homes across major development zones. By working closely with landowners and Registered Providers,
The Regeneration Vision aims to ensure regeneration not only increases housing supply but also strengthens connections, enhances place identity, and expands opportunities for residents across the borough.
Vision for the town centre and neighbourhoods Slough’s urban landscape is being reimagined to deliver places people are proud to call home. The town centre will evolve into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood, combining high-quality homes, green spaces, and modern workplaces. Streets will prioritise people over cars, with active travel networks encouraging walking, cycling, and community interaction.
New developments will embrace contemporary design while drawing on Slough’s architectural and industrial heritage to retain authenticity.
Housing, public spaces, and cultural facilities A diverse housing offer is key to attracting and retaining residents. The Regeneration Vision promotes townhouses and mid-rise developments with green courtyards, integrated play areas, and accessible community amenities. Public spaces will act as social connectors – places for events, exhibitions, and informal gathering. Cultural assets such as The Curve, local galleries, and creative studios will anchor a new sense of civic identity, linking regeneration to creativity and expression.
Transport, digital infrastructure, and connectivity
Slough’s regeneration will leverage its transport infrastructure – rail, road, and active travel – to support sustainable mobility. The emerging Western Rail Link to Heathrow, new bus connectivity, and improved cycling corridors (Chalvey–airport link) will make travel easier and greener. Enhanced digital infrastructure will underpin both economic and social inclusion, supporting everything from remote learning to smart energy management.
Preserving heritage while enabling modernisation Slough’s historic identity as a centre of invention – home to the Trading Estate, Horlicks Factory, and Langley aircraft works – will guide its next chapter. Rather than erasing the past, regeneration will reinterpret it: restoring key buildings – the Horlicks Quarter is a living example – integrating heritage materials, and stimulating public art that reflects the borough’s innovation story.
Horlicks Quarter and the Role of Heritage-Led Regeneration in Creating a New Neighbourhood for Slough
Horlicks Quarter is a flagship example of how heritage can be reimagined to support growth, deliver high-quality homes and strengthen local identity. The redevelopment centres on the Grade II listed Horlicks Factory, a landmark building long associated with Slough’s industrial past. Through sensitive restoration and carefully planned new development, the site has been transformed into a modern, connected and distinctive neighbourhood.
The retained factory buildings include restored brickwork, original architectural features and the iconic tower, ensuring that the site’s heritage is at the heart of the new place. These buildings have been adapted to provide contemporary apartments, communal lounges, co-working areas and wellness facilities. Surrounding them are new residential blocks, landscaped courtyards, green pedestrian routes and a central public square that hosts community events and outdoor seating.
Sustainability has been a central focus throughout. High-performance building materials, integrated cycle routes, EV charging, energyefficient systems and green infrastructure allow residents to live in a low-carbon environment. The design promotes walkability, reduces reliance on private cars and provides new connections back into the town centre.
Horlicks Quarter has set a strong precedent for regeneration that combines heritage preservation with modern development. It demonstrates that Slough can celebrate its industrial story while delivering new homes and communities that meet contemporary needs.
SUCCESS STORY
SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
Drive better behaviour through better design.
Environmental sustainability and climate goals
Sustainability is fundamental to Slough’s regeneration ethos. Every new development will be guided by low-carbon design, energy efficiency, and nature recovery. Green infrastructure – tree planting, rain gardens, green roofs, and blue corridors – will be woven throughout the borough to enhance biodiversity and mitigate flood risk.
Regeneration around the Colne Valley will lead the way in integrating water management and ecological renewal. Meanwhile, the borough’s data centres – a crucial part of the national digital backbone – offer opportunities for circular energy use, such as reusing waste heat to warm homes and public buildings.
Building social and economic resilience
Sustainability extends beyond the environment. Social and economic resilience are equally vital. By diversifying Slough’s employment base, investing in education, and supporting small business growth, the borough will build longterm stability. A healthy, skilled population and a resilient economy will help the town withstand external shocks – from economic downturns to climate impacts.
Integrating green infrastructure and future-proofing
Future-proofing means designing for change. Buildings and public spaces must adapt to new technologies, working patterns, and climate realities. The borough will champion adaptive reuse, flexible mixed-use zoning, and infrastructure that supports electric mobility, renewable energy, and circular material flows.
NARRATIVE AND LEGACY
Changing perceptions. Shaping futures.
Changing perceptions of Slough
For decades, Slough has been unfairly stereotyped – its image shaped by outdated industrial caricatures rather than its real achievements. That narrative is changing. Today, Slough is one of the UK’s youngest, most enterprising, and most globally connected towns. The Regeneration Vision aims to embed this new identity in public perception: a borough defined by innovation, inclusion, and ambition.
Telling the regeneration story to investors, residents, and visitors
The regeneration story is multi-layered. To investors, it is about opportunity – wellconnected sites, a skilled workforce, and a Council open to partnership. To residents, it is about pride – seeing their town modernise with integrity and care. To visitors, it is about discovery – experiencing a place where history, technology, and community coexist.
The Council will use compelling storytelling – through digital campaigns, public art, and media partnerships – to communicate progress and attract partners who share its values.
Leaving a lasting legacy for the borough The true legacy of regeneration will be more than buildings – it will be confidence: a stronger, fairer economy; a healthier, more cohesive society; a cleaner and greener environment. The borough’s legacy will also be tangible: the transformation of its town centre; the renewal of its green belt; and the creation of thousands of homes that redefine quality and affordability.
To have brought the Berkeley Group into the town centre to kick-start regeneration is the beginning of a 15-year transformation that will redefine Slough’s heart.
PAT HAYES, Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council
NEXT
STEPS
From vision to delivery.
How Slough Council will deliver the visionHow Slough Council will deliver the vision
The Council will act as enabler, convenor, and catalyst – coordinating public, private, and community partners to bring this Regeneration Vision to life. Delivery will be guided by the following principles:
-
Partnership: Working with investors, developers, and residents to align commercial and social goals.
-
Quality: Prioritising design excellence, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
-
Transparency: Clear communication, measurable outcomes, and ongoing public engagement.
-
Inclusion: Ensuring regeneration benefits extend across all communities.
Dedicated delivery vehicles and partnerships – potentially including a Slough Regeneration Partnership – will oversee major projects, attract funding, and manage implementation.
Opportunities for partnership and engagement
Regeneration is a shared enterprise. The Council invites collaboration with:
-
Developers and investors seeking long-term, sustainable opportunities within the M4 corridor.
-
Investors focused on the delivery of social value through economic regeneration.
-
Developers and housebuilders prioritising social, affordable and progressive housing.
-
Educational institutions and training providers developing Slough’s next-generation talent pipeline.
-
Civic and cultural organisations enhancing place identity and wellbeing.
-
Local businesses and social enterprises anchoring community wealth creation.
A structured investor engagement programme and annual Slough Regeneration Forum will maintain momentum and visibility.
TIMELINE AND MILESTONES
The enduring message
Regeneration is a long game. Slough’s success will not be judged by cranes on the skyline alone, but by the everyday experiences of its residents, the quality of homes, the vibrancy of streets, the fairness of opportunity and inclusion for under-represented communities. With vision, commitment, and collaboration, Slough will evolve from an industrial town to a 21st-century innovation borough, fulfilling the promise of its location, its people, and its heritage.
Regeneration is a long game. Slough’s success will not be judged by cranes on the skyline alone, but by the everyday experiences of its residents, the quality of homes, the vibrancy of streets, the fairness of opportunity and inclusion for under-represented communities. With vision, commitment, and collaboration, Slough will evolve from an industrial town to a 21st-century innovation borough, fulfilling the promise of its location, its people, and its heritage.
PAT HAYES
Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council