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Guildford Borough Council delivering lasting change for local communities

Guildford Borough Council delivering lasting change for local communities

Guildford Borough Council has launched its Corporate Delivery Plan for 2026–27, building on the significant progress of the past two years. This second delivery plan supports the Council’s vision for a Greener, Fairer, Thriving Guildford and continues to deliver tangible outcomes for local communities. 

The plan sets out a clear programme of priority actions for the year ahead, focused on supporting communities, strengthening the local economy and protecting the environment. 

As Surrey moves towards Local Government Reorganisation, Guildford’s Delivery Plan recognises the importance of completing work that will continue to benefit residents and businesses long after the transition. The priorities and projects set out will help shape the future of services and leave a positive legacy for Guildford’s communities. 

The key priorities for 2026-27 include: 

  • Progressing the Weyside Urban Village regeneration. 
  • Improving council homes by delivering 220 kitchen upgrades and 130 new bathrooms, helping each council home meet the Decent Homes Standard. 
  • Embedding carbon pricing and social value into our decisions, alongside financial considerations, through refreshed climate change and social value action plans. 
  • Strengthening collaboration with Waverley Borough Council and enhancing partnerships with key organisations, such as the University of Surrey, to deliver tangible benefits for residents and businesses. 
  • Progress work to transform the York Road Hub to support vulnerable residents experiencing homelessness and support them as they rebuild their lives 

Read the full Delivery Plan 2026-27. 

Leader of the Council, Cllr Julia McShane, said:  

“Over the past two years we’ve set ourselves clear commitments, and we’ve worked hard to deliver on them. That experience gives us confidence as we move into this next and final Delivery Plan. 

“This plan is about finishing the work that matters most to people. Through it, we will continue to put our communities first and protect what makes Guildford a great place to live, work and do business. We want to make sure this work is done properly, with care and at pace, right through to the end. 

“As we move towards Local Government Reorganisation, we’re very conscious of the responsibility we hold. Our focus now is on leaving our borough in the strongest possible position, so that residents and businesses continue to grow and thrive long after the transition. That’s the legacy we are committed to delivering.” 

Background 

In 2024, Guildford Borough Council adopted its Corporate Strategy, A Greener, Fairer, Thriving Guildford, setting out five strategic priorities for the borough. To support delivery of the strategy, the Council published its first annual Corporate Delivery Plan in 2025/26, outlining key projects, actions and measurable outcomes. The Council committed to providing regular progress updates, which have been published and will continue throughout the year. 

Our progress so far 

We made considerable progress in 2025, with key achievements including: 

  • Opening Guildford Lido year‑round for the first time, expanding access to health and wellbeing opportunities for residents. 
  •  Introducing new planning guidance to ensure tall buildings in our town centre protect its unique character and heritage. 
  • Working with our development partner, Wates, to design and develop plans for the regeneration of Guildford Park Road Car Park, including extensive consultation with residents via in-person events and online engagement to accelerate the delivery of up to 248 high‑quality, sustainable new homes – 40% of which will be affordable Council homes, delivering on our commitment to develop new Council homes for the borough. 
  • Delivering a varied programme of high‑street events with partners, boosting footfall and helping to create a vibrant, thriving Guildford borough. 

Read the full 2024/25 Delivery Plan Progress Report for quarter 1 and 2. Further progress for the remainder of 2025/26 will be issued later this year. 


​ Press contact: Grace Clayton – e-mail grace.clayton@guildford.gov.uk