A resident has critiqued recent Facebook posts celebrating the regeneration of Wokingham town centre which is nearing completion.
Wokingham Borough Council has done a series of Facebook posts about the regeneration, which has largely been completed.
Planning began in 2010, with the multi-million-pound project delivering an enhanced Market Place, the new Carnival Hub, business space in Peach Place, the transformation of Elms Field and more.
But a resident criticised the political tone of these posts in a question to a full meeting of Wokingham Borough Council on July 23.
Phillip Challis asked: “The council Facebook page has recently been promoting the virtues of the Wokingham Town regeneration, which was somewhat controversial when it was approved.
“It is not clear who is responsible for the content of these posts, which, although not overtly party political, are surely political.
“One post, with a series of photos of events, states ‘This is what Wokingham was regenerated for – creating well-used community spaces open to all’.
“Future posts should clarify that this was a Wokingham Town regeneration and not a Wokingham regeneration, as residents of other population centres in the borough already feel forgotten and wait impatiently for news of when their areas will be regenerated.
“I am sure there were many reasons for the regeneration. Could you publish a full review of the success or otherwise of Wokingham Town regeneration judged against the full range of objectives, including the financial aspects, which would offer residents a more balanced and less political interpretation of success than the current selective posts?”
The question was read out by borough mayor Rob Comber (Liberal Democrats, Wescott) in Mr Challis’ absence.
Councillor Imogen Shepherd-DuBey (Liberal Democrats, Emmbrook) said: “The master plan set out the objectives including creating a thriving town centre supporting an 18-hour economy improving public spaces and delivering a high standard of design.
“A key measure of success is the experience of those who live, work and visit Wokingham. Local businesses featured in the campaign have described this the positive impact of that regeneration and has on the town centre on the and has had on the town centre in their operations.
“The success of the regeneration has also been recognised independently through numerous national and international planning, property and public sector awards. These commendations have highlighted its innovative approach, high-quality design, strong financial delivery, and a community focus with professional bodies identifying as example of best practice that other towns can learn from.
“This is all despite Brexit, COVID, a change in government, a change of administration of this council, the financial impacts of war, the Truss-Kwarteng budget, and local government funding being stripped away. Shopping habits have changed, working habits have changed, and our economics have changed.
“But Wokingham has adapted and thrived despite these things. As a council and community, we should be proud of what has been achieved here and the lasting positive impact the regeneration has had on Wokingham town centre.”
