First consultation sets ball rolling for potential Braywick Park stadium move

The Royal Borough has set the ball rolling on the first consultation on potentially leasing up to 6.13 acres of land at Braywick Park to Maidenhead United Football Club.

The cabinet considered early-stage proposals from the football club in January, outlining a future relocation from their existing York Road ground and the potential benefits for residents and visitors.

As part of the existing open space at Braywick Park, the proposed site has been reduced by around a third following further discussions with the football club, with potential for a half-acre to be retained, depending on the final designs.

A wider package of environmental and biodiversity improvements for the area includes the club’s commitment to expand Braywick Nature Reserve, as part of the proposals.

In addition, plans set out upgrades to existing community facilities, including refurbishing the athletics track, supporting other users of the sporting facilities and enhancing access and parking arrangements at Braywick.

One map showing the proposed area outlined in red, with access marked in brown, and two maps showing that biodiversity improvements are available in the formal public notice pack at tinyurl.com/mpc9b75x

Jon Adams, chief executive officer of Maidenhead United, said: “We continue to work constructively with the local authority and are pleased to see the notice including the area where improvements would be made to the nature reserve.

“The consultation events we’ve held over recent months have played an important part in shaping and improving the plans, and we’re grateful for the feedback received.”

Comments on the intention to dispose of open space must be submitted to the council by 5pm on April 10.

If this progresses, plans would form part of an associated planning application, which would include further public consultation.

Cabinet member for adult services, planning and governance, Cllr Adam Bermange, said: “We know there’s a lot of interest in what a relocation of the football ground could mean for the community, so this notice is about keeping people informed from the very start.

“It gives everyone the chance to look at the details of the latest proposals, which are quite a transformation on the earlier plans, and go a long way towards addressing our core criticisms of that original proposal.

“There’s still a process to follow, and community feedback will continue to be an important part of that, which is why there will be future opportunities for communities to continue to feed into things as they develop.”

The public notice is available for inspection during opening hours at Maidenhead Library.

Any comments can also be submitted to the RBWM Property Department either by post to the Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1RF or by email to property@rbwm.gov.uk.