THE NEXT phase of a multi-million pound regeneration in Wokingham town centre is set to get underway.

This Monday, September 25, will see the excavation and utility work along Denmark Street come to an end, with the next phase of the £3.8m improvements moving to Broad Street.

Utility work will start on the Market Place outside Boots and Clarks and will continue in this area for the coming weeks. Once complete, it will be immediately followed by the laying of the new stone surfacing. This work will continue until early December.

Only the very top section of Broad Street will be closed, with all traffic routed down Denmark Street. The remainder of Broad Street will remain open including the left turn junction onto Rose Street, although this will be controlled by traffic lights.

The project is part of the long-term vision for the future of Wokingham town centre that was set out in the 2010 Town Centre Masterplan, adopted after extensive consultation.

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for highways and transport Cllr Chris Bowring said: “The town is very much open for business.

"These essential changes to the environment of the town are aimed at a much-needed facelift in the spirit of the town masterplan. We understand it is very difficult at the moment, for all involved from traders to pedestrians and drivers to visitors, as we work on this major project in Wokingham town centre.

"It is disruptive and we are doing all we can to keep this to a minimum. We believe the outcome will be worth the wait.”