Two businesses are finally set to move into Wokingham town centre after months of regeneration work.

GAIL’s artisan bakers will be opening on Peach Street before Christmas and Cook, a frozen-food vendor, will be moving in at Rose Street in the coming months.

Councillor Philip Mirfin, the executive member for regeneration, said: “We’ve spent a lot of time listening to people’s comments about the type of businesses they would like to see in the town centre and looking at the mix of shops in similar towns to see what makes them a success.

“We’re in the process of finalising dates to handover keys with lots of other businesses so will be releasing more names very soon.

“GAIL’s Bakery is a fantastic artisan bakers found in great locations such as Hampstead, Chiswick and Richmond.

“We’ve had several residents mention them to us over the years and we’re very pleased they have chosen Wokingham to open one of their few stores outside of London.

“This really shows their confidence in our town and we think they will be a great fit for Wokingham.

GAIL’s Bakery has a strong local feel and the quality of their produce really stands out as does their award winning range of bread, pastries and cakes which are handmade every day using the best ingredients.

“Cook will also be an excellent addition to the town and, in their new location on Rose Street, will help to draw people to and from Waitrose increasing footfall in the town centre.

Councillor Mirfin also revealed that two "high-end fashion retailers" are set to open stores in the town centre in the new year, and other independent retailers are touted to move in to the area in the coming months.

These stores are set to join businesses moving in at Elms Field, including Everyman Cinemas, Aldi and Premier Inn.

Opposition leader and Liberal Democrats councillor told the News: “I’m pleased to see two new shops coming into the town- it is about time.

“We know the current local businesses are very interested in wanting to know who is coming.

“We have concerns about the cost of the whole development while these companies are coming in.

“We all want to have a thriving town centre but we need to make sure all businesses are on an equal footing.”