RBWM adopts key planning document for Maidenhead shop fronts

Councillors have backed a key planning document meant to improve the design of shop fronts in Maidenhead, in an attempt to ‘hopefully reduce vacancy risk’. 

The Maidenhead Town Centre Shopfront Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will be used as guidance for businesses and property owners.

Councillor Adam Bermange (Lib Dem, Boyn Hill), the cabinet member for adult services, planning and governance, told councillors at a cabinet meeting last week that this document will ‘hopefully reduce vacancy risk’ in Maidenhead.

Cllr Bermange said: “I’m sure we’re about to hear about the elephant in the room of the Nicholson Quarter development, but I think it’s important that we look at the whole area of Maidenhead town.

“It’s not just that development, it’s much broader,  in order to secure a sustainable future, having a well-designed town centre which is appealing to the public, it’s an important thing.”

Businesses have started to move out of the Nicholsons Centre ahead of its closure in the summer, with some moving to alternative locations in the town.

But Areli’s Nicholson Quarter proposals look to bring back a mix of shops, restaurants, offices and flats.

Cllr Bermange said this SPD is a ‘small step’ but ‘a positive step’ towards Maidenhead’s regeneration, with the document defining what is considered to be a ‘poor’ and ‘good’ shopfront design.

The SPD sets out that a poorly designed shopfront ‘undermines the character and appearance of the street, making an area feel ‘cluttered’ and ‘neglected’.

It adds that the poor exterior of a business would ‘harm’ the architectural harmony of the town.