Nicholsons Centre scheduled to close at the 'end of June', Areli confirms

The Nicholsons Centre in Maidenhead is scheduled to close its doors ‘at the end of June’, Areli has confirmed. 

Earlier this year, the developer behind the shopping centre’s redevelopment said  it hopes to start work  at the site in early 2026, subject to the plans being given the green light.

The sprawling scheme by Areli and Tikehau Capital received conditional approval from the Royal Borough at a meeting on Thursday, November 20, after a decision was deferred the previous month.

The plans will see the long-standing centre demolished  to deliver a mixed-use development featuring  hundreds of flats alongside shops, restaurants, offices and a new ‘Pineapple’ multi-storey car park.

In mid-November, a letter signed by Areli’s chief executive Robert Tincknell was sent to tenants of the Nicholsons Centre.

It said that the centre would be vacated soon, ‘ahead of its closure in the first half of 2026’.

This month, tenants  received another letter, this time from Areli’s management agents on the project, KLM Asset Partners, stating that the centre is scheduled to close ‘at the end of June 2026’.

The letter, seen by the Advertiser, said: “We are pleased to confirm that planning

consent for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Nicholsons Shopping Centre has now been granted approval.

“This marks an important milestone in delivering the Nicholson Quarter, which will create a vibrant town centre destination with modern retail, homes, offices and public spaces.

“The centre is scheduled to close at the end of June 2026 to allow redevelopment works to begin.

“Until that point, the shopping centre will remain fully open and trading as normal.

“We want to reassure you that over the coming months our focus will be on supporting you and helping to maintain a positive trading environment.

“We will continue to promote the centre and work with partners to drive footfall during this period.

The letter said that KLM will continue promoting the centre and working with partners to ‘drive footfall’ during this period, including through celebrating Lunar New Year, hosting the annual pancake race and family activities at Easter.

It added that the on-site management team, led by Nicholsons Centre manager Jane Wright, will ‘remain available day to day’ and the asset management team at KLM will ‘continue to provide guidance and respond to any questions’ about individual circumstances.

“We understand that some tenants may also want to consider future options, and further discussions can be arranged with the town centre management team to explore relocation opportunities within Maidenhead where appropriate,” the letter said.

A spokesperson for Areli, said: ”The Nicholson Shopping Centre is scheduled to close at the end of June 2026 to allow redevelopment works to begin.

“Until that point, the shopping centre will remain fully open and trading as normal.

"Our managing agents, KLM, will be delivering a host of activities for the community during this time and continuing to support our tenants.”