bblur architecture was commissioned to develop the master plan for the ‘Heart of Slough’. The key moves within the master plan are the provision of at grade pedestrian crossings to replace the unsafe subways and the replacement of the old roundabout, made famous by the credits of the BBC’s sitcom ‘The Office’, with a new crossroads. This decision also reclaims significant land to provide additional town centre building plots. Working with landscape architects Spacehub we are responsible for delivering an exciting, robust and enjoyable public realm for Slough Borough Council. Coordinating closely with the Traffic engineers WYG and Project managers Fitton Associates we have developed a simple yet high quality palette of materials with robust planting using 25 year old lime trees to line the streets creating a green buffer between pedestrians and traffic. The scheme provides places for people to pause. Angled bus stops improve waiting areas and make it easy to see the approaching bus. Key areas such as the Station Forecourt and the Library Square will become identifiable places within Slough enabling a positive street life to develop. A significant feature of the master plan is the new north-south pedestrian link from the Railway Station, past the new Bus Station and new Cultural Centre, to an enlarged Mackenzie Square at the end of the High Street. The new connections and public spaces created will restore a sense of place within Slough.