7 Short Term Actions for Wokingham

1. Businesses must unite under common vision. Retailers, businesses and residents must work in unison during the challenge of demolition and re-building of the Peach Street Development. The Chamber will be implementing support groups and enabling closer communication between all parties to achieve this aim.

2. Wokingham must be defined by difference. Wokingham must generate a unique appeal to shoppers by embracing culture in every new build, conversion and planning decision. This will ensure that it develops a unique appeal in contrast to both Reading and Bracknell.

3. A definitive plan must be decided. This will halt speculation and encourage optimism within the town. This is also crucial to allow businesses to plan for contingencies and opportunities related to the redevelopment.

4. Rental costs must be fair and attractive. To encourage a mix of independent businesses into the town and to retain Wokingham’s identity as a market town, we must offer fair value rentals. There are many businesses prepared to take an empty unit if offered at a realistic rent.

5. Existing shops must be immaculately presented. During the period of redevelopment, it is crucial to maximise the existing assets of Wokingham. In order to do so, shops and offices in the region should be redecorated, cleaned and refurbished.

6. Wokingham must be accessible for shoppers. The key to attracting shoppers into the town is fair, attractive car-park pricing. To encourage shoppers, car-parks should offer the first hour free and pay on exit at prices which are more competitive than surrounding Reading and Bracknell.

7. Retailers must be offered support. Wokingham’s retail community must be equipped with the information they need to face the challenges of redevelopment head on. To do this, the Chamber will increase communication channels to improve knowledge and subsequently optimism.

Read the long term actions now.