 Council considering options for headquarters
We’re continuing to explore options for our future headquarters, to ensure we make the best and most efficient use of our properties.
It was agreed to review the current headquarters at Shute End in Wokingham in 2023, including assessing options for refurbishing it or moving to an alternative location.
Three options will be taken forward following agreement by councillors last week, these are:
- a full refurbishment of the existing Shute End offices in Wokingham
- relocation to 28-38 Peach Street in Wokingham
- identifying a new leasehold or freehold property within Wokingham Borough
Other options have now been discounted, including relocating to Mulberry Business Park in Wokingham, the former library on Denmark Street and a minimal refurbishment of Shute End. A detailed breakdown of how each option scored is available on our website.
The preferred options will now require further assessment, including future workforce requirements and any impacts of the Local Government Review proposals. Further updates will be presented in due course.
 Help shape Wokingham Borough's future
Our draft plan for the next five years is now open for your feedback. This is your chance to help shape our Council Plan which sets the priorities and themes that will guide our borough’s future.
Tell us what matters to you. Whether it’s sustainability, housing, transport, education, or community wellbeing, your input is vital to ensure our plan reflects the needs and aspirations of everyone in the borough.
Take a few minutes to share your thoughts by completing our survey today, which closes on Monday 3 March.
 Take part in Wokingham Swimathon
The date has been set for this year’s Wokingham Swimathon, with teams of fundraisers set to come together on Wednesday 16 July.
Last year’s inaugural event was a big success, raising more than £12,500 for a range of good causes, as part of Wokingham Lions Club’s 50th anniversary.
Returning to Wokingham Leisure Centre at the Carnival Hub, the second edition of the swimathon will run from 10am to 3pm, giving schools and charities the chance to get involved.
The swimathon is not a race and is all about having fun while raising money. If you want to be involved, recruit a team of up to eight people, sign up and get sponsored.
There are only 30 team spaces available, so book now to avoid disappointment.
 Bus route set to add more journeys after feedback
We've agreed an increase in frequency for bus route 3 between Wokingham and Barkham, Finchampstead and Arborfield.
Councillors have agreed to tender a contract for the route, increasing it to every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays.
The service is hourly and people tell us that this limits their options for getting to work or school, enjoying leisure time or seeing family and friends.
We're keen to support this so everyone has access to healthy, convenient and affordable alternatives to driving.
Reading Buses already runs the 3 more frequently between Arborfield and Reading, on a commercial basis, so our proposal would complement that.
The contract, which could start from May, would be funded by contributions from developers building new homes in the area.
It would run for two years initially with scope for two further one-year extensions.
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