Newbury Wharf: Plans to transform riverside unveiled

Newbury Wharf on the River Kennet would be transformed under the plans

A riverside could be transformed to provide a "new attraction" if plans are agreed.

West Berkshire Council wants to repurpose part of the car park at Newbury Wharf to hold events.

The authority said the revitalisation of the area was a priority in its vision for the town.

The first phase of works, paid for by external grants, involves improving public access to the waterfront and creating a "peace garden".

If a planning application is agreed, work would begin in mid-2024.

Councillor Martin Colston, regeneration chief, said: "Town centres are the beating heart of the community and by creating a place that is continuously changing and experimenting through pop-ups, exhibitions, festivals, and markets will leave its mark for Newbury to be an exciting and interesting place to live, work and visit."

The initial phase of works are being funded by £375,000 from the Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and £420,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Something that will need to be considered is a previous survey by landscape architects Adams and Sutherland found the area to be in a poor condition with possible trip hazards at the water's edge.