Wokingham Borough residents have the opportunity to help shape a strategy that supports the area’s economic growth

Wokingham Borough Council is updating its Economic Development Strategy that sets out how it will keep improving the borough’s economic prosperity through to 2030.

The draft updated strategy is developed based on a thorough analysis of local economic performance data and insights from the council’s engagement with local business community and other stakeholders to understand business needs, economic issues and growth opportunities. 

Residents are encouraged to read the full draft strategy on the council’s Engage Wokingham website, and give their comments by Tuesday 8 October. 

Setting directions for future growth

Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and the arts, said: “We’d like to thank our local businesses for sharing their views, which has been instrumental in shaping this round of consultation with residents.

“Our strategic location in the heart of Berkshire, together with excellent transport links to London and the wider South East, positions us well to attract inward investment. The recent completion of Shinfield Studio further fuels the growth of creative industry in the area. To elevate our economy to the next level, we must refresh our strategy and set clear directions for future growth.

“Residents will benefit from new employment, upskilling and training opportunities created from sustainable growth in our economy. It’s also vitally important that economic development is key to a quality, stable and healthy life for everyone.”

Four key economic pillars

The draft Economic Development Strategy outlines four key pillars supporting the borough’s economy – including economic and business landscape; people, work, skills and well-being; place, infrastructure and connectivity; and small towns and districts, local centres and shopping parades. 

Priorities are proposed under each pillar to highlight how the council will achieve the overall vision for our economy. 

The final Economic Development Strategy will go before the council’s decision-making executive by the end of this year. Following this, a detailed action plan to achieve these priorities will be developed. 

Crumbs at the Oakwood Centre is now open!

After many years, Brown Bag decided to leave the Oakwood Centre. Having worked with them for so long, it was sad to see them go, however, we are delighted to welcome, in their place, local cafe specialists Crumbs. 

Grand opening

The cafe opened on Saturday 7 September, with a promotional half price hot drink offer, which kept the crowds coming in. 

Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Juliet Anderson, popped down to meet the new team and sample the delicious array of sumptuous cakes, freshly made-to-order food, ranges of hot and cold drinks, including cocktails and mocktails, as well as milkshakes and delectable items that cater for all food allergies.  

Opening times

Crumbs at the Oakwood Centre will be open daily:

Catering at the Oakwood Centre

As our new partner, Crumbs will continue to provide a bespoke and exclusive set of menus for Oakwood Centre clients and hirers, as well as providing catering for all events.

For more details, please contact bookings@woodley.gov.uk.