Slough: SEGRO sets out vision for Trading Estate

SEGRO has set out its Vision for the Future of the Slough Trading Estate, which will ensure it continues to meet the changing demands of business.

SEGRO says the regeneration vision will enable the Trading Estate to continue to be a thriving location for all businesses, from global companies to exciting local start-ups, and is expected to generate approximately 3,500 new jobs, in turn contributing around £80 million a year to the Slough economy.

New transport infrastructure, landscaping, open spaces and modern buildings, along with skills and training opportunities for local people, will be key elements of an overarching Masterplan to be delivered over a 20-year period. Modern, flexible business space for a wide range of companies will be supported by cafés, bars, a hotel, conferencing, health, leisure and education facilities to create a 21st Century working environment.

Proposals for the Masterplan are currently at an early stage, and consultation with local stakeholders is being sought prior to the development of a detailed scheme.

Kevin O’Connor, Director, Slough Trading Estate, commented: “Slough is at the heart of the Thames Valley economy and we want to ensure the Trading Estate continues to meet the needs of its thriving business community for the next generation. As well as providing numerous benefits to the many businesses located here, the needs of people will become the focal point of the plans – people who work here, people who visit and people who live nearby.

“We must grasp the opportunities of a changing economy where traditional manufacturing is in decline and hi-tech knowledge-based industries are expanding rapidly. This is why we want to put plans in place now to ensure the Trading Estate has a great future.

“The Masterplan vision, together with the regeneration of the town centre, will mean Slough remains a great place to live and to do business. As more detailed plans emerge over the coming months, everyone will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed scheme before it is finalised.”

As part of its commitment to the Trading Estate and its continuing development, SEGRO plans to relocate its headquarters to the central area of the site once the regeneration plans are approved.

The regeneration vision will include:

• New business environments designed specifically to meet the needs of different customers, ranging from enterprise units to space for light industrial use, hi-tech research and development and offices.

• Investment in transport infrastructure as a key component of the vision, the main objective of which is to deliver economic regeneration without impacting on existing traffic levels. Comprehensive travel management plans will be rolled out to improve services for existing and new customers, and to offer more sustainable ways of travelling to and from work, such as car-sharing, using coaches and buses, walking and cycling. The emerging Masterplan proposes the creation of a central Transport Hub including a travel centre building, which will act as a main point of access for people working at the Estate as well as visitors.

• Delivery of one of the most environmentally friendly business locations in the world. Buildings will be designed, built and powered using leading edge technology to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint, and there will be a commitment to recycle and reuse building materials throughout construction. The on-site renewable power station - the largest of its kind in the UK - provides green electricity to meet the needs of businesses across the Estate.

• Dedicated training and skills programmes to ensure local people have access to the employment opportunities, which will span across a wide range of sectors and skills levels.

• An iconic gateway entrance on Bath Road and a tree-lined boulevard leading to the centre of the Trading Estate, to create a real sense of arrival.

The Masterplan will be delivered in partnership with Slough Borough Council, existing businesses on the Estate and the local community. SEGRO will undertake a full public consultation and it is expected that an initial planning application will be submitted to Slough Borough Council in summer 2008. The timescales for starting development will be governed by the planning process.