New cycle and walkway project
Maidenhead: Phased work on dedicated paths begins
Work on a new walkway and cycle path in Maidenhead town centre is underway.
The work focuses on the pedestrianised section of King Street between Broadway and Keys Place.
It will see a new dedicated space along the centre of the route for cycles, with pedestrian areas on either side.
These will be differentiated with visibly different surface types and tactile boundaries.
Cabinet member for highways and transport councillor Geoff Hill said: “The final design of the scheme has been shaped following extensive on-the-ground research carried out by the council along this section of King Street as well as feedback from stakeholder forums including walking, cycling, disability and inclusion groups.
“The council also held a series of workshop evenings last summer with town centre businesses and we thank those organisations who gave their invaluable input.
“The developers and landowners in adjacent sites were also involved in this engagement and we also thank them for their input.”
The work, which started on Monday in King Street is part of wider Royal Borough plans to brighten up the town centre’s urban environment and create more engaging spaces for walking and cycling. Along with new paving, the spaces outside existing businesses will also be reconfigured, allowing them to introduce café style seating subject to planning permission.
The King Street scheme will be done in phases to maintain access for businesses, and the pedestrians and cyclists who use the route while the work is carried out.
It is hoped that the whole project will be completed in the autumn.
Cllr Hill (tBfI, Oldfield) said the funding for the project has come externally from the Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Alison Webster, CEO of Berkshire LEP, said: “We’re delighted to have provided funding from the Government’s Local Growth Fund to this scheme which will encourage people to visit the town centre in a sustainable way, supporting local businesses and contributing to a prosperous and vibrant Maidenhead.
“The LEP has a strong track record in supporting sustainable transport packages as part of our ambition to reduce congestion and provide improved access to local employment, retail, and services.”