Slough's Queensmere shopping centre to close its doors on Saturday

The Queensmere shopping centre in Slough is set to close its doors on Saturday in preparation for a major re-development.

Several retailers have already moved or are set to move into The Observatory, marking the first phase of a wider high street regeneration, led by developer Berkeley Homes.

In October 2025, Berkeley Homes unveiled its long-awaited plans for a ‘landmark regeneration scheme’, aiming to revive stalled plans to build up to 1,600 new homes, shops and entertainment spaces.

The housing developer completed a deal to buy the Queensmere Observatory shopping centre from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in June 2025.

The plans include walkable routes, landscaped courtyards and a new Central Park and Herschel Square, marking the legacy of astronomer William Herschel.

In December, a reserved matters planning application was submitted to Slough Borough Council (SBC) to re-develop the site to create residential units and commercial floorspace in a new building, ranging from four to 14 storeys in height.

The work would also feature public spaces known as Town Square and Station Walk, and parking access routes.

It has now been revealed that the Queensmere shopping centre will shut on Saturday, January 17, with many stores having moved into The Observatory recently.

These include The Card Factory, Adorn, Beauty Base and The Post Office.

Over the coming months, more stores will be moving into The Observatory, including The Fragrance Shop, Warren James, Bag Shack and CEO.

These stores will be joining the likes of Primark, TK Maxx and JD Sports.

The centre has 800 on-site parking spaces.

Berkeley has recently invested into the renovation of the centre’s atrium, creating a ‘lighter, brighter and more inviting space’.

The Observatory is part of Berkeley’s long-term investment in Slough town centre. 

This integrated approach looks to support existing businesses, attract new audiences and ensure the town centre remains ‘commercially viable and vibrant for the future’.

Freddie Hill, head of development, Berkeley Oxford & Chiltern, said: “The closure of Queensmere marks an important milestone in Slough’s regeneration.

“By bringing retailers together under one roof at the Observatory, we can support existing businesses and create a more convenient, high-quality shopping environment, ultimately improving the customer experience for local shoppers and contributing to a vibrant, sustainable Slough town centre.

“This sits alongside our wider investment in new homes and infrastructure, helping to secure the long-term future of Slough town centre as a place where people want to live, work and shop.”

Karan Veerd, company director at Bag Shack, said: “Relocating to the Observatory makes strong commercial sense for our business.

“Berkeley’s investment in Slough town centre, particularly through the delivery of new homes, will ultimately increase the number of people living, working and spending locally on a day-to-day basis.

“That growth in regular footfall gives us confidence that this is the right location to trade well, serve local needs and build a sustainable, long-term presence in Slough.”

Jonathan Newton, head of estates at Card Factory, said: “The move to the Observatory is a strong commercial decision for our business.

“That long-term commitment has given us the certainty to invest here - whilst the quality and location of the Observatory provide the right conditions for sustainable growth and strong trading performance.”

The Express previously reported that Berkeley Homes is aiming to start construction on site in 2027.

Developers are ‘looking at a 14-year build programme overall’, with the first homes set to be occupied by 2030 and the re-development to be finished by 2039.