Chamber's lukewarm verdict on old cinema plans

The Maidenhead and District Chamber of Commerce met yesterday and discussed the 'cinema that never was' in Bridge Avenue, which has been sitting empty for two decades.

While members are not opposing the development, they are not voicing their support for the application either.

Member Andrew Jenner said he would have liked to see the site fall in line with ideas for a marina, as suggested under plans to build a river through Maidenhead.

Although there was some criticism, there was also a suggestion that the 32,000 sq ft office, which still needs permission from the Royal Borough, will bring more people into the town.

Traders also called for a short-term solution to turn the face of Queen Street around and questioned the number of food outlets in the area.

The chamber also discussed the Christmas period and heard that Maidenhead attracted more shoppers than last year, although many of these came at the last minute.

Some concerns were raised about signage around the town and the majority of traders felt late night and Sunday shopping was a success.