News

Theresa backs Maidenhead waterways restoration proposals

  • 5 Sep 2011

Theresa May has backed plans to restore the Maidenhead waterways as part of the ongoing project to rejuvenate Maidenhead town centre. The waterways, which have been neglected for decades, could be returned to their former glory if new proposals are approved to restore York Stream and the Moor Cut – both of which run through the town centre – and in turn link them to each other and the River Thames. When complete, the proposals will see the restored waterways at the heart of the town centre as an attractive feature and a focus for leisure activity.

Theresa has written to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in support of a planning application that has been submitted by the Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group. If approved, the application will allow the first phase of work to go ahead. The restoration of the waterways is an important element of the rejuvenation of Maidenhead town centre and was included in the widely-supported Maidenhead Town Centre Area Action Plan (AAP).

As the AAP explains, ‘although the River Thames flows to the east of the town, a number of side channels branch off before rejoining the main channel. One branch, the York Stream still flows through the town centre, whilst the normally dry Moor Cut passes further east over Town Moor. The evolution of the town centre has disregarded the waterways with adjacent buildings presenting their back elevations or closing it off with high fencing. Our strategy is to improve and reintegrate the waterways into the townscape to enhance the environment and provide a feature around which recreation and leisure activities can be encouraged.’

Commenting, Theresa said: “The restoration of the waterways is an important part of the wider rejuvenation of Maidenhead town centre. That is why I fully support these proposals. We must ensure that we make the most of the natural advantages that could make Maidenhead a more attractive place to live and work. By providing new water features in the town centre, Maidenhead will be better placed to attract business investment and to provide improved leisure opportunities. These proposals have the potential to act as a catalyst for further improvement of the town centre, and their approval will be a powerful statement of confidence in the town’s future.”

For more information about the Maidenhead waterways restoration project please visit www.maidenheadwaterways.org