Save Alexandra Gardens 20 Campaign

Over the past year the Liberal Democrats in Windsor launched "Save Alexandra Gardens 20" our campaign to stop excessive development at the Alexandra Gardens Coach and Car Parks. The third campaign to stop inappropriate development at Alexandra Gardensin the last two decades.

Take Action! Complete our Survey, Sign the SAG20 Petition & Download a Poster. Click Here Now!

As part of the Campaign we have:

• created print at home posters for your window
• issued several press releases picked up by most local media (see below)
• started a petition to have decisions made in public
• made multiple Freedom of Information Act Requests to try to obtain information (see below)

Why is this happening now?

Under the current Conservative Administration the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead's council have got into significant debt. To pay off the debt large amounts of our (residents') public assets are being sold off in what local Lib Dems are calling the "Fire Sale Flog Off".

Why don't we know the details?

Plans for development along Windsor Riverside, including at Alexandra Gardens appear to have been in development for over a year. Two years ago an argument on social media between two prominent local Conservatives led to us asking for information on the plans by means of a Freedom of Information Act request. The council refused the request citing an exemption for decisions still in the process of being taken, however the refusal notice effectively confirmed that plans were being developed in secret.

More recently we issued a Press Release which was used as the basis for stories in local media. The Conservative response to this press release provided further confirmation that the secret plans existed. In parallel we have renewed our FOI request to have the plans made public.

What's the Lib Dem View?

• Local Lib Dems don't believe in taking big decisions like this in secret, we believe the council should work for residents, not keep secrets from them.
• Local Lib Dems believe the public should be involved from the start of the process, not presented with a fait accomplis near the end of the process.
• Local Lib Dems believe that decisions should be taken with a strategic view of what is best for Windsor, not as a quick-fix to pay off Conservative debts.
• Local Lib Dems believe more Windsor Councillors should be involved in the decision. The Council Cabinet is made up almost entirely by Maidenhead Councillors.
• Local Lib Dems believe any plan for Windsor riverside should take a clear overview of all of the undeveloped land along the Windsor riverside.
• Local Lib Dems believe any plans should emphasise public green open space, pedestrians and cyclists.
• Local Lib Dems believe any plans should try to create a motor traffic free space alongside the river.

Campaign News

Save Alexandra Gardens 2020 in the Media

• Windsor Express - Planning consultants given 'blank page' to plan potential Windsor riverside development - 27 October 2017
• Windsor Express - Campaign to save Alexandra Gardens Coach and Car Park from development - 27 March 2020
• Royal Borough Observer - Windsor campaign group calls to save Alexandra Gardens - 28 March 2020
• Royal Borough Observer - Conservatives under-fire from Windsor Liberal Democrats - 10 June 2020
• Royal Borough Observer - Windsor Lib Dems launch Alexandra Gardens consultation - 1 July 2020
• Windsor Express - Confusion as Windsor Coach Park Plans Revealed at Maidenhead Meeting - 1 April 2021
• Royal Borough Observer - Councillors question why Windsor plans revealed at Maidenhead forum - 2 April 2021

Save Alexandra Gardens 2020 Freedom of Information Act Requests

• 20th March 2019 - Request for current Alexandra Gardens development plans
• 14th March 2020 - Request for 2020 and 2008 Alexandra Gardens development plans
• 30th March 2020 - Ownership of Alex Gdns Coach & Car Park - Revenues - Accountability & Transparency of RBWM Property Company