Reviving Hope: Addressing the Challenges of Urban Renewal in Our Community

Regeneration in Slough is seriously disappointing.

Slough is my hometown (woo!). I’m one of those boomerang people who has moved away and returned several times over the years. I’ve been back since September after losing my job overseas due to COVID, and I’ve witnessed many changes in the area.

What I struggle to understand is how the regeneration efforts seem to consistently miss the mark. Take the high street, for example. I remember when they tore up the paving to replace it, thinking it was such a waste of perfectly good bricks. But the new surface? It’s incredibly slippery when it rains. Does it look better? That’s up for debate. But it’s definitely not more practical.

Then there’s the bus station. The curved roof design causes it to drip on passengers, leaving very little actual shelter (a common issue in England—just look at Datchet station, which has only about two meters of covered space). So when it’s windy, you end up freezing. Plus, the bus fares are absurd, and routing to the hospital from Langley requires a change at the bus station followed by a lengthy detour through the Wexham estates.

I haven’t had a chance to check out the new library, but the building looks quite small, and I can’t see how that’s an improvement over the old one. Can someone explain it to me?

I’m also seeing ads on Instagram for this new “Horlicks Quarter.” It’s just yuppie flats for Crossrail commuters along with retail space. But what’s going to fill that retail space when half the high street is already vacant? Just for fun, look up how much it costs to rent a shop on the high street—no wonder they’re all empty! Greedy landlords are asking for £4,000 a month.

3 thoughts on “Reviving Hope: Addressing the Challenges of Urban Renewal in Our Community”
  1. It sounds like you have a lot of valid frustrations with the changes happening in Slough. It’s tough to see a place you care about undergo regeneration that misses the mark. The issues with the high street paving and bus station design seem particularly frustrating—functionality should definitely be a priority if you’re spending all that money on renovations.

    It’s a shame that instead of improving accessibility and comfort for residents, it feels like a lot of these projects are just catering to a specific demographic, like the “Horlicks Quarter” you mentioned. Gentrification often overlooks the needs of the current community, and it’s concerning that local businesses are suffering while rents are skyrocketing.

    Hopefully, if enough people voice their concerns, the powers that be will start to think about the community’s needs and prioritize practical, inclusive solutions over aesthetics. Have you thought about getting involved in local discussions or initiatives? Sometimes a grassroots effort can make a real difference!

  2. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts about the ongoing urban renewal efforts in Slough. Your observations about the practical shortcomings of some of these initiatives really highlight a fundamental issue in urban planning: the importance of community input and usability over aesthetics.

    One aspect that often gets overlooked during such projects is how well these developments actually cater to the needs of the community. For instance, the sidewalk and infrastructure improvements should prioritize safety and accessibility to encourage foot traffic and support local businesses, rather than just focusing on contemporary design trends. The slippery surfaces you mentioned pose a real danger, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with disabilities.

    About the Horlicks Quarter, you raise an excellent point regarding the sustainability of retail spaces in a changing economic climate. Many towns face similar dilemmas. Perhaps there is an opportunity here for the community to engage with local councils and developers to consider mixed-use spaces that prioritize affordable retail units for small businesses. This could diversify the offerings and attract more foot traffic, which is essential for revitalizing the high street.

    Finally, it might be beneficial to discuss the idea of community-led design workshops. By involving residents in the planning stage, authorities could create spaces that genuinely reflect the needs and desires of the individuals who live there. This kind of collaboration is essential for fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the community, ultimately guiding more effective regeneration efforts.

    What do others think about the idea of engaging the community more deeply in the planning process?

  3. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences and observations about Slough’s urban renewal efforts. It’s clear that many in the community share your frustrations, and it leads to an important discussion about the planning and execution of these projects.

    One of the critical elements often overlooked in urban revitalization is the need for genuine community involvement in the planning stages. Engaging local residents and businesses can provide invaluable insights into what the community truly needs and values. This could help avoid issues like the slippery surfaces you mentioned or the impracticalities of the new bus station design. Community feedback can guide decisions that prioritize functionality and accessibility over aesthetics.

    Additionally, addressing the high rent costs for retail spaces should be a top priority. As you rightly pointed out, exorbitant rental fees deter small businesses from setting up shop and contribute to the vacancy crisis. Perhaps implementing measures such as rent caps for new retail spaces or offering incentives for local businesses could encourage a more vibrant high street.

    Lastly, I’m curious about the potential for partnerships with local artists or cultural initiatives in spaces like the new library or the Horlicks Quarter. Incorporating art and culture can attract foot traffic and create a sense of community ownership that sustains local economies.

    I appreciate your insights and look forward to continuing this conversation. Urban renewal can be a powerful catalyst for change, but it requires a collaborative approach that truly reflects the needs and desires of the community.

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