Local businesses, residents and Wokingham Borough Council are reflecting on the award-winning regeneration of the town centre, as set out in the Town Centre Masterplan, which detailed a 15-year vision on how the town would develop to 2026.
The council invested in the regeneration of Elms Field, Peach Place and Carnival Place along with improvements to the train station, roads and Market Place.
The regeneration had multiple phases and was delivered over 15 years between 2010 and 2025, transforming Wokingham into a vibrant area with:
- Improved public spaces
- A better retail experience
- An improved entertainment offer
- Better sports and leisure facilities
- Improved access and transport
- Improved sustainable community
- A rental income for the council
In late 2025, the council’s final part of the Town Centre Masterplan was completed, the 55 new apartments at Carnival Place. The new homes are located opposite Carnival Hub, overlooking Elms Field and are a short stroll into town.
The council has spoken to local businesses in Elms Field, Peach Place and Carnival Hub including Antique Rose, De Novo Velo, Fiona Parry Boutique, Places Leisure and Wokingham Library who have shared their experiences about the regeneration.
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Councillor Mark Ashwell, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure, countryside and the arts, said: “We’ve worked closely with a wide range of businesses throughout the programme, supporting them to establish, grow and bring new ideas to Wokingham. It’s fantastic to see so many independent and national businesses choosing to invest here, creating jobs and adding to the town’s unique offer.
“We’re proud of the role our business community plays in making Wokingham such a welcoming and successful place, and we’ll continue working in partnership to build on that momentum”,
Councillor Rachel Bishop-Firth, executive member for resident services, inclusion and fighting poverty, said: “Elms Field was once an underused space, desperately needing regeneration. Now it is a lively and welcoming location, perfect for communities to come together. The redevelopment of Elms Field has been essential in providing a venue for these fantastic events.”
The new library and leisure centre are also part of the regeneration and used by thousands of residents each week. “These buildings are real hubs which meet our communities’ needs, whether it’s for exercise, meeting others, hosting events or getting help”.
Councillor Stephen Conway, leader of the council and executive member for housing, partnerships and the local plan, said: “The contrast with before and after is certainly striking. We now have better and fuller use of spaces that were once underused, and the benefits for the community are now clear.
“The regeneration is independently recognised by the most respected planning, property and public sector organisations in the country and by European judges too, which is a testament to the journey and progress which has been made”
Resources
The council has created a series of webpages to celebrate the achievements of the Town Centre Regeneration which includes a timeline, before and after photos, interviews with local businesses, information on the regenerated areas (Carnival Hub, Peach Place and Elms Field), its investment, sustainability and the various awards the regeneration programme has won.
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