REGENERATION plans to develop the north end of Woodley Town Centre have been dealt a boost after the funding pot more than doubled.

The plans to replace the existing Pagoda at the Headley Road end of the town-centre with a more modern structure have been in the pipeline for a number of years.

However, work could begin by the end of the year if plans got the go ahead.

Both Woodley Town Council and Woodley Town Centre Management Initiative worked together to secure £100,000 to fund the development, but leader of Woodley Town Council and Wokingham Borough Council councillor Keith Baker has now involved borough, who have increased the amount available for the project.

Cllr Baker said the extra funds have changed the visions for the pagoda and could allow the town council to revamp more of the town centre.

"This is the regeneration of Woodley Town", said Cllr Baker.

"We are working together to make sure we have the right sized pagoda. Now we can get a bigger one than originally planned."

"That will then allow us to use the space for concerts and other events. We can put tables and chairs out facing the new pagoda and bands can put shows on."

Cllr Baker said the open space can be loaned out to restaurants and cafe's if they want to have outdoor tables and seating during the warmer months.

But the set ups would have to be temporary so they can easily be removed if the council need the space for a community event.

Cllr Baker said he didn't have an exact figure, but the borough council's section 106 money from developments like Sandford farm brings the total funding to between £200,000 and £250,000.

The additional funds will also allow the council to revamp the existing play equipment which sits in the centre of the precinct, opposite Boots.

The project is still in the discussion phase and the town council are yet to submit any planning applications, which would need to be considered by the council's planning committee.

Cllr Baker said the benefits of having the borough council on board means the town council can use the borough's resources.

The project is still in the discussion phase and the town council are yet to submit any planning applications, which would need to be considered by the council's planning committee.

He added: "We will look to upgrade that area, which could mean new equipment and more equipment in that space."

"Woodley Town Council is a small council with little experience. The borough council have the contacts and the project managers we can use and the designers.

"There will be a project board which will have representatives from all three parties."

"We have had a couple of meetings with the borough council, the next step will be to engage some of the designers to come up with some ideas, which we would like to do soon," said Cllr Baker.