Slough High Street demolition future plans, what’s coming?

image credits: Shutterstock

By Snabil Nadeem

Slough’s High Street was dramatically cleared on 17 January, marking the start of a long-awaited transformation project that aims to reshape the heart of the town into a vibrant neighbourhood of homes, shops and public spaces. 

The once-familiar High Street buildings are now gone, making way for a blueprint devised by developer Berkeley Homes that could take up to 14 years to complete. The plans — part of a wider regeneration of Slough town centre — include up to 1,600 new homes, landscaped parks and improved public spaces.  

For many residents, watching the old street disappear was emotional. 

“It was sad to see the old High Street go,” said local resident Naomie Bailey. “But people here have been waiting for years for proper change. My daughter needs affordable homes — hopefully this delivers that.” 

Hiba Khan, 21, worked part-time at Beauty Base on the High Street while studying at c. She said watching the street being torn down was difficult. 

“I worked at Beauty Base for almost two years,” she said. “When the demolition happened, it felt strange seeing the whole street disappear. A lot of us lost our jobs at the same time.” 

She said many young workers depended on the High Street for employment. 

“That shop helped me pay for travel and university materials,” she added. “I hope whatever replaces it brings proper shops back and more work for young people.” 

Under the regeneration plans, up to 1,600 new homes could be built in the town centre, alongside landscaped public spaces including Central Park and Herschel Square. A new pedestrian route, known as Station Walk, is also planned to improve access between Slough railway station and the High Street. 

Council planners say the aim is to create a town centre that is more than just a shopping destination. 

“The demolition on 17 January marked the start of a new phase for the town centre,” said Tan Dhesi, the MP at Slough Borough Council. “The aim is to create a space where people can live, work and socialise, not just shop.” 

Local residents have mixed feelings about the future. 

Tan Dhesi, who has lived in Slough for over 20 years, said the High Street had been in decline for some time. 

“It was sad watching it go, but it needed change,” she said. “If they build homes and places for families, it could be good for the town.” 

Planning documents also show proposals for 274 new flats in buildings up to 15 storeys high on part of the former High Street site. Some of the accommodation is intended for key workers, including NHS staff from nearby hospitals. 

Developers say the project will take several years to complete, with construction expected to happen in stages. Artists’ impressions released last year show tree-lined walkways, outdoor seating areas and modern apartment blocks replacing the demolished shops. 

However, not everyone is convinced. Some residents have raised concerns about whether the new homes will be affordable and whether existing services can cope with an increased population. 

For former workers like Hussain, the hope is that the redevelopment will bring opportunity rather than loss. 

“It’s strange seeing the place where I worked turn into a building site,” she said. “But if it means new jobs and a better town centre, then maybe it’s worth it.” 

As Slough’s skyline begins to change, the future of its High Street is set to look very different from the one residents once knew.