Exciting plans are underway to rejuvenate Newbury town centre, with planning permission being granted to revitalise the Peace Garden at the Wharf.

The Wharf is a major focus of West Berkshire Council’s Newbury Town Centre Masterplan, which aims to enhance leisure, community, and cultural experiences, transforming the town centre into a vibrant space for social interaction, economic growth, and community activities.

Renowned architectural and urban landscape consultancy, Adams & Sutherland, have been working with West Berkshire Council to bring the vision for the Wharf to life for two areas extracted from the overall masterplan, the Peace Garden (phase one) and later down the line the Waterfront.

The first phase of works at Newbury Wharf will focus on the Peace Garden area, with the contractor mobilising on site from 11 November. Works include improvements to the existing Peace Garden that extends to the south, with increased planting, new footpaths, and improved connections to the River Kennet. This will create a distinctive landscape with a formal garden, integrated seating, and accessible paths, improving views to the canalised River Kennet, Victoria Park, and the overall connection to the town centre.

Also…..

Eagle Quarter will consist of:

1. New streets, spaces, routes and connections that reconnect Newbury and are outward not inward looking.

2. New independent shops and cafes that fit with the character of historical Newbury to animate these routes and spaces.

3. Urban greening and exemplary sustainability aspirations.

4. The occupiers of the new homes to create local expenditure of around £8m per annum to support local businesses.

5. Creation of 280 jobs.

6. Visible connections with the history of this site.

7. Wider regenerative benefits to the whole of Newbury.

A new landscaped pedestrian route named Eagle Walk, connecting Market Street to
Bartholomew Street and Cheap Street.

A new public square, Eagle Square, is additionally
created enhancing the public realm and further connecting the proposal to the emerging
Market Street development