The Landing, Maidenhead

S Williams Architects, headed by Sarah Williams, has been commissioned by Ryger Maidenhead Ltd for a key site in the centre of Maidenhead next to the station. The £200 million, 500,000 square foot mixed use scheme comprises apartments, retail units and offices and is due to complete in 2019.

Before the client committed to the investment, Sarah Williams worked closely with them to determine the mix, massing, heights and brief for the development. With the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s Planning and Regeneration team (and based on the work undertaken by Sarah), basic parameters were agreed which gave sufficient assurances for the client to proceed with the site purchase. As a result of her advice, the client was able to define their preferred site area and has reached a consensus with the Local Authority on the strategic massing, and mix of uses for the scheme. A letter of comfort has also been received from the RBWM planning team.

Sarah also ran, with the RIBA, the competition to select the architects and Studio Egret West were chosen as materplanners and lead architects. Allies and Morrison were also selected to design and deliver one of the large commercial buildings on the site. Sarah Williams of S Williams Architects, also assited the client in the selection of the wider design team including planning consultants, engineering firms, cost consultants, branding consultants and property agents. S Williams Architects will be retained by the client and will provide on-going advisory services for the project.

The site plays an important role in RBWM’s plans to reinvigorate and strengthen the town centre and is seen as a catalyst for redevelopment in the area. It is identified as a key town centre opportunity area in the Windsor and Maidenhead Area Action Plan.

The proposed development comprises the demolition of existing buildings in a triangular site and the construction of a new high quality mixed-use scheme, which will revitalise the town centre. The scheme is a mix of retail, commercial, offices and residential buildings with associated underground parking and a new public town plaza at its heart. It seeks to improve accessibility and links with the local shopping centre, high street and the Maidenhead railway station, which will become the Western Terminus of Crossrail  in 2019.  

The scheme will be characterised by high quality contemporary buildings, an accessible and vibrant public realm, a lively day and evening economy, successful businesses, high quality apartments and a variety of retail destinations all integrated to form a true mixed use development in the heart of the town.