Three years after Berkeley Homes gathered a host of Slough stakeholders to offer their verdicts on the town they are invested in, the housebuilder has revisited the concept and asked some of the current figures who are directing the future of Slough to offer a view.

Berkeley Homes is halfway through the remarkable transformation of the former Horlicks factory (pictured) into a 1,300+ community of new homes.

The town was named by the Telegraph as the best place to live outside of London – ranked on factors such as house prices, quality of schools according to OFSTED and accessibility to the capital.

In 2024, the Halifax unveiled data showing the hottest hotspots for first-time buyers in Britain, Slough came in second after Manchester.

The average property price for first-time buyers in Slough is £322,961, compared to London’s average of £523,000. This comparison, combined with the town’s proximity to the capital, has made Slough an attractive option for young professionals and families.

Urban regeneration and development – what does the future hold

Pat Hayes, head of urban regeneration for Slough Borough Council, said: “We have ambitious plans for the revitalisation of Slough, focused on bringing back homes to the town centre to create life and footfall which, in turn, will revitalise the retail and leisure offer.

“Our plans are based on encouraging residential development on the many vacant and underused sites in the town centre and recreating a proper street pattern and a streetscape that is of a human scale.

“Berkeley Homes has set the tone at Horlicks Quarter and we want to now roll out a similar approach across the whole town centre – starting with new developments round the station and the revitalisation of the high street.”

The Horlicks factory transformation was noted by a former vice president of the firm.

Peter McConville, previously vice president of R&D Nutritional Healthcare for Horlicks, worked at the factory for more than 20 years. He was recently invited back for a tour of the site.

He said: “It was such a treat to have the opportunity to come back and have a look around the factory I started working in over 40 years ago.

“When you came in the doors it had that Victorian red brick factory feel. It is fantastic to see how it looks today –  wow what a transformation!

“Berkeley has breathed new life into the old building, whilst honouring its heritage. They’ve kept the exterior in the style of the old factory, restoring it to its former glory – the inside is absolutely gorgeous.”

Elkie Russell, managing director of Berkeley Homes, Oxford & Chiltern, said: “We’ve taken one of Slough’s most iconic and historic buildings and have transformed it into a unique collection of new homes.

“Our aim at Horlicks Quarter is to deliver London-style living but without the capital’s high price tag – aspirational homes with fantastic residents facilities including a gym, cinema room, co-working space, rooftop terrace, along with a recently-opened day nursery and café.

“The apartments have been popular with both owner-occupiers, keen to capitalise on the exceptional lifestyle on offer, but also rental investors who are enjoying yields of around six per cent per year.

“With its thriving business community and superb transport links, Slough has so much to offer young professionals looking for great value homes within easy reach of London.

“We are excited to be working with Slough Borough Council and the other key stakeholders to bring the council’s ambitious plans for the revitalisation of Slough to fruition.”

Local economy

Slough’s local economy includes the largest number of global corporate headquarters outside London, including companies like O2, Amazon, and Mars.

The town’s employment opportunities, coupled with its strategic location near Heathrow Airport and significant transport links, contribute to its reputation as a prime location for living and working.

Anna Bond, head of Western corridor for SEGRO, said: “Slough has long been a hub of economic vitality, with the Slough Trading Estate at its heart. Over its 100-year history, it has continually adapted to meet businesses’ evolving needs, with 30 per cent of the trading estate being less than 10 years old.

“We envision a sustainable future for Slough Trading Estate, creating spaces for a variety of businesses and supporting a leading cluster of data centres driving the digital economy.

“Our investments create diverse, high-quality jobs and support local regeneration, solidifying Slough’s position as a dynamic hub for commerce, technology and manufacturing.”

Another stakeholder attracting new businesses to Slough is Plus X Innovation, which, in November 2023, along with AshbyCapital, partnered to create a vibrant workspace at The Future Works with a focus on driving business growth and incubating new businesses.

Plus X Innovation offers innovation space for entrepreneurs and growing businesses while providing business support programmes, a state-of-the-art prototyping workshop and access to an ecosystem of local partnerships, stakeholders, and investors.

Mat Hunter, co-founder of Plus X Innovation, said: “Plus X Innovation Hub has been honoured to support Slough’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem over this past year. We’ve witnessed remarkable local business growth and partnered with inspiring innovators dedicated to driving positive change.

“Our inaugural Changemaker Awards in December demonstrated this desire for positive change, and we welcomed over 100 community members to celebrate local innovators and community heroes, making a tangible impact in Slough.

“Creating a thriving ecosystem of over 60 businesses and local community groups such as The Slough Hub has shown that Slough’s future is looking bright.

“Slough is fast becoming a destination for innovation and product development, and we’re excited to continue supporting businesses shaping the future of Slough.”

Mark Caldwell, asset manager for AshbyCapital, said: “While the Slough office market’s recovery from the pandemic has been steady, we have noticed recently a marked upturn in activity.

“Following our latest lettings at The Future Works to Likewize and Tesco Mobile, we have strong interest in the remaining floors, while the vibe of the building has been completely transformed following the opening of the Plus X Innovation Hub.

“With numbers from Mondays to Thursdays now at pre-Covid levels, we’re also seeing higher office occupancy which we’re supporting through a range of new amenities at the building.

“To stay ahead of the latest interior design trends and the evolving requirements of modern occupiers, we are adding a state-of-the-art gym to the building.

“The communal roof terrace and landscaping is also being refreshed, along with the building’s end-of-trip facilities, ensuring that these best-in-class amenities stay that way and continue to directly benefit tenants every day.

“With increased appreciation of the benefits of a first-rate office environment for business performance, employee well-being and attracting talent, it’s vital that Slough’s workspaces meet these criteria to maintain the town’s bright future.”

Quality of Life

Beyond economic factors, Slough has been recognised for its good schools, green spaces, and a diverse community.

Chris Thomas, general manager of Moxy Hotels, said: “Since opening our doors in early 2021, our hotels have been on an incredible journey and we have been truly inspired by the strength of Slough and the remarkable opportunities that have emerged.

“Year on year we have experienced strong occupancy growth, driven by the thriving corporate market linked to Slough Trading Estate, the rapid expansion of data centres and the opening of the Elizabeth Line, which has introduced a brand-new leisure travel segment. As a result, we have become a compelling alternative to staying in Central London.

“With the regeneration of the Horlicks Quarter and the ambitious vision for revitalising the town centre, the future looks exceptionally bright – only strengthening the continued success of our hotels.

“We are immensely proud to be part of Slough’s vibrant and dynamic community, supporting a range of initiatives from carers’ events to open mic nights and local artist showcases.

“Building on our success, we have recently launched JIM’s Kitchen & Bar, a standalone restaurant located on our ninth floor. Offering a refined culinary experience, this exciting addition represents yet another step forward for Slough town centre”

David Arfield, manager of Cameron King Estate Agents, explained what he believes has changed in Slough to draw the buyers in.

He said: “Affordability and connectivity – since the arrival of the Elizabeth Line in 2022, this has been a game changer for transport links – connecting Slough, not just into Paddington, but right across London – you can get into Bond Street in around 30 minutes, alongside great links to Heathrow airport and the M4.

“For those renting in London and looking to get on the property ladder or people who own in more expensive London suburbs, Slough is much more affordable and the commute time is the same, if not less, than they had before.

“We’re attracting people from areas such as Hayes, Uxbridge and Southall – which are more expensive, as closer to London, and Slough ticks a lot of boxes.”

In summary, Berkeley Homes says Slough’s recent developments in infrastructure, housing, and urban regeneration have significantly enhanced its appeal.

It says the town seamlessly blends affordability, connectivity, and quality of life, making it an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

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