Berkeley Acquires Second Major Redevelopment Site in Slough
A major development in the future of Slough town centre has taken shape, as Berkeley Homes has officially entered into an agreement to acquire both the Queensmere and Observatory Shopping Centres. This acquisition is poised to become a landmark moment in the town’s ongoing regeneration, breathing new life into the area and reshaping the local urban environment.
The transaction, which is expected to reach completion by the end of this summer, sets the stage for an ambitious, high-quality regeneration project that will be centred on the Queensmere Shopping Centre site. The scheme is designed to revitalise Slough’s high street, turning what was once a traditional retail-centric area into a vibrant, residential-led mixed-use community.
Strategically located in the very heart of Slough, the Queensmere Shopping Centre spans a substantial 9.2-acre site. It represents one of the most significant and high-potential redevelopment opportunities in the South East of England. Planning consent has already been secured for a transformative scheme that includes the delivery of 1,600 new homes. In addition to the residential offering, the project will feature substantial retail, leisure, and entertainment spaces to create a holistic, inclusive environment suitable for modern lifestyles.
At this stage, Berkeley Homes has clarified that there are no immediate redevelopment plans for the adjacent Observatory Shopping Centre. Instead, initial efforts and investment will focus on transforming the Queensmere site into a modern urban quarter that caters to the diverse and growing needs of Slough’s population.
Berkeley will carry forward the existing development proposals while bringing their hallmark attention to quality, design, and sustainability. Their vision is one that encompasses much more than just housing; the plan includes the creation of a thoughtfully designed public realm, carefully landscaped open spaces, and a curated mix of homes, community facilities, food and beverage destinations, and leisure spaces.
As part of the scheme’s design ethos, significant efforts will be made to improve local infrastructure, with new pedestrian routes planned to enhance walkability and connectivity across the area. These routes will help better link key parts of the town centre, including Slough railway station, Wellington Street, and the southern end of the High Street, making the area more accessible and user-friendly.
Elkie Russell, Managing Director of Berkeley Homes for Oxford and Chiltern, spoke of the acquisition and future plans with great enthusiasm. “We are thrilled to continue playing an integral role in the regeneration of Slough. Our ambitious transformation of the iconic Horlicks Factory into a superb collection of new homes and residents’ facilities has already created a vibrant new neighbourhood in the town centre.”
Russell continued: “By acquiring this additional site, bringing forward new homes, and breathing life into the high street, we will continue to support the long-term growth and success of Slough. Our vision is to enhance and support a thriving, sustainable town centre that reflects the energy and diversity of the local community.”
Berkeley’s acquisition comes on the heels of their widely acclaimed work on the redevelopment of the former Horlicks Factory site, where they have already delivered a collection of high-quality new homes, amenities, and green spaces. Their experience and track record in delivering urban regeneration on brownfield land have made them a trusted partner for local authorities across the UK.
Slough Borough Council has been a keen supporter of this deal, recognising the long-term benefits that such an investment will bring. Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Regeneration, Housing and Environment for the council, emphasised the importance of Berkeley’s involvement in the town’s transformation. “It is brilliant news for Slough that top UK residential developer Berkeley have bought the Queensmere and Observatory shopping centres from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
“Berkeley are already delivering the award-winning Horlicks Factory scheme, and they are a company with the financial clout, expertise, and ambition to deliver a comprehensive transformation of the High Street.”
He continued, “The council has worked hard to help facilitate this sale to enable the regeneration of the High Street to be brought forward, and we look forward to continuing our successful relationship with Berkeley. With this announcement and the start of work on the former Thames Valley University (TVU) site, Slough town centre is on the cusp of transformation.”
The acquisition of the shopping centres signifies a bold move by Berkeley to invest further in Slough’s urban future, aligning with the council’s broader strategy to attract private investment, enhance public infrastructure, and foster vibrant local economies. The development will also capitalise on Slough’s excellent transport links, including proximity to Heathrow Airport and improved connectivity via the Elizabeth Line, which now offers faster access to central London.
The Queensmere and Observatory Shopping Centres were acquired from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). Their decision to sell the properties opens the door for Berkeley to advance a regeneration project that has been long-anticipated by residents and businesses alike.
Although comprehensive details and timelines for the construction and redevelopment phases have yet to be made public, Berkeley has committed to sharing more information in the coming months. In the meantime, the company’s community engagement teams are expected to begin consultations with residents, local stakeholders, and businesses to ensure the scheme aligns with local needs and aspirations.
Berkeley Group is widely recognised for its focus on brownfield regeneration. The company has built a strong reputation for transforming underused and often neglected plots of urban land into thriving communities. In doing so, they work closely with local authorities and communities to create sustainable homes and neighbourhoods that promote health, wellbeing, and environmental responsibility.
Their projects are known for prioritising biodiversity, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Berkeley’s design philosophy goes beyond bricks and mortar; their developments often include schools, green spaces, cultural hubs, and pedestrian-friendly layouts that encourage a strong sense of place.
With this latest acquisition, Slough stands on the threshold of a new chapter in its urban evolution. The regeneration of the Queensmere Shopping Centre is not just a real estate development – it represents an opportunity to redefine Slough’s identity and reimagine the role of the town centre in a 21st-century context.
By integrating housing, leisure, commerce, and green space in one cohesive plan, Berkeley aims to create a destination that attracts not only new residents but also visitors and investors. The ripple effects of such a transformation could drive further economic development, support job creation, and strengthen Slough’s standing as a key hub in the South East.
The next steps will involve detailed design work, consultations, and eventual submission of reserved matters planning applications. As the project progresses, all eyes will be on Slough to see how this bold and forward-thinking regeneration vision unfolds.
For now, one thing is clear: with Berkeley Homes at the helm, and strong support from Slough Borough Council, the future of the town centre is looking brighter than ever. The regeneration of the Queensmere site is set to become a benchmark for urban renewal, combining heritage, modernity, and community in a development that reflects the very best of British town planning and construction.
