Slough’s regeneration is truly disappointing.
I grew up in Slough and have bounced back and forth a few times over the years, most recently returning in September after losing my job overseas due to COVID. I’ve witnessed many changes in this town, but I can’t wrap my head around how the regeneration efforts often seem to fall flat.
Take the high street, for instance. When they were replacing the paving, I thought it was such a waste of perfectly good bricks. Now, the new surface is incredibly slippery when it rains. Does it look better? That’s debatable. But it certainly isn’t more user-friendly.
And then there’s the bus station. The curved roof design just means that when it rains, you end up getting dripped on. The shelter is minimal—this is a common issue in England; Datchet station barely has two meters of covered space! When it’s windy, it’s freezing. To top it off, bus fares are high, and getting to the hospital from Langley requires a transfer at the bus station and a long detour through the Wexham estates.
I haven’t had a chance to check out the new library yet, but the building looks so small that I can’t see how it’s an improvement over the old one. Someone please explain!
I’ve also been seeing ads on Instagram for this new “Horlicks Quarter.” It’s targeted at yuppie flats for Crossrail commuters, along with new retail space. But what’s going to fill that retail space when half of the shops on the high street are already vacant? Seriously, just look up the rent for those places—over £4K a month! It’s no wonder they’re sitting empty; greedy landlords are pricing everyone out.
It’s great to see someone so invested in the changes happening in Slough, especially as a longtime resident. Your observations about the regeneration efforts are spot on and reflect a frustration many locals feel. It seems like they’re prioritizing aesthetics over functionality, and that can be really disappointing. The high street should be a welcoming space, not just a pretty facade that makes getting around more challenging.
The bus station design is puzzling too; it should provide comfort and convenience, not make waiting in the rain an uncomfortable experience. It’s frustrating that public transport, which should be accessible to everyone, is a hassle and a financial burden as well. It almost feels like the new developments cater more to outsiders or commuters rather than to actual residents.
As for the “Horlicks Quarter,” it raises valid concerns about whether those new retail spaces will have any real benefit to the community, especially if they’re priced out of reach for small businesses. It would be refreshing to see a focus on affordable rents and the needs of local enterprises, rather than just creating another trendy spot for transient residents. Hopefully, there’s some pushback or dialogue in the community about these issues, as a cohesive effort can lead to meaningful change!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Slough’s regeneration efforts; it’s a perspective that many locals can relate to. It’s disheartening to see public investments not translating into tangible improvements for the community. The issues you’ve pointed out, particularly regarding infrastructure like the high street and bus station, highlight a pervasive challenge faced by many towns undergoing regeneration: the balance between aesthetic upgrades and functional enhancements.
While it’s essential to modernize and beautify areas, these changes should prioritize user experience and accessibility—something that greatly affects the daily lives of residents. Perhaps a more community-focused approach could yield better results? Engaging local voices in the planning process might help ensure that future initiatives meet the actual needs of the residents rather than simply implementing a vision from the top down.
Regarding the Horlicks Quarter, I share your skepticism. The influx of high-end flats and retail space often neglects the existing community’s needs and economic realities. Addressing vacant properties should be a priority before investing in new developments. Solutions could include incentivizing small businesses or offering more affordable rental rates to stimulate local commerce.
The key takeaway is that successful regeneration should enhance both the built environment and the life of the community. I hope that, with ongoing discussions and advocacy from residents like you, Slough can reimagine regeneration in a way that truly benefits everyone. Your engagement in this conversation is vital, and I encourage others to voice their experiences and ideas as well!