Nicholsons Shopping Centre in Maidenhead, Berkshire, has closed its doors for the final time ahead of its demolition as part of a £500 million town centre regeneration project. Bulldozers are scheduled to move in by August, with work continuing until spring 2027.
Massive redevelopment plans
The multi-million pound scheme for Maidenhead town centre will see the construction of 55 retail premises and 850 flats on the site of the former shopping centre. Will Robinson from Areli Developments, the developer behind the project, told the BBC that the aim is to create "a proper place" where people can live and work. He added: "There'll be shops, cafés and restaurants, and lots of public spaces."
History of Nicholsons Shopping Centre
Known as the Nicholsons, the centre dates back to the 1960s when it was built on the site of a brewery that closed in 1960. Originally open air, a roof was added over the 200,000 sq ft retail hub in the 1970s as it became the heart of the town centre. High street stalwarts including H&M, Next and Topshop opened at the centre, which also housed Woolworths and Our Price over the years.
By the end of the last century, the centre was eclipsed by The Oracle Shopping Centre in nearby Reading, according to the BBC. A refurbishment began in 2016 to improve its appeal ahead of Crossrail's arrival in the town.
Future of the site
Backers of the regeneration say the project represents a major investment in the future of Maidenhead and will create a "vibrant" retail, leisure and residential destination. Part of The Nicholsons Quarter scheme includes a public square to be named after Sir Nicholas Winton, known as the "British Schindler" for helping to rescue Jewish refugee children from Nazi Germany during World War Two. The town centre regeneration and Nicholsons Quarter are expected to be completed by the end of the decade.
