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Redevelopment plans to be unveiled for Guildford Park Road car park

Redevelopment plans to be unveiled for Guildford Park Road car park

Guildford Borough Council and Wates are launching a consultation for a proposed £86 million project that is set to transform Guildford Park Road car park into much-needed homes. With the potential to deliver around 248 new high-quality homes, the outline design includes 40% affordable housing and appealing public spaces that celebrate the town’s unique character.

Before finalising the design and seeking planning permission a series of consultation events will be held across Guildford. Residents are invited to meet the project team, learn more about the emerging plans, ask questions and share their thoughts.

The events are scheduled for:

  • Saturday 29 March, from 10am to 2pm at The Rotunda, next to The Friary, Guildford town centre
  • Thursday 3 April, from 10am to 2pm at the University of Surrey Student Union
  • Thursday 3 April, from 3pm to 8pm at Grace Church, 70 Guildford Park Road GU2 7NF

The proposals aim to:

  • create a place that is unique to this location, sustainable and modern and fit for the future
  • leave a positive lasting legacy for the community
  • build much-needed new and affordable homes  

As part of the emerging proposals, Wates will be delivering a social value programme valued up to £11 million. This will include creating 40 new jobs for local residents, alongside offering extensive training, work, and upskilling opportunities. The programme will benefit all age groups, including support for local community organisations, public art projects, literacy initiatives, foodbank support, and volunteering campaigns.

Leader of the Council and Lead Councillor for Housing, Councillor Julia McShane, said:

“I’m committed to making Guildford an inclusive community, where local people can find homes that suit their needs, at a price they can afford. Whether renting or buying, we want this new neighbourhood to be somewhere residents feel proud to call home.

“I’m thrilled that our partnership with Wates will not only see new council homes being built, but also result in new jobs, more training opportunities and funding for initiatives that support local communities.”

Lee Bushell, Regional Managing Director, Wates Residential, said:

“At the heart of our vision is creating a blueprint for sustainable living. By regenerating the car park, we can increase biodiversity and foster an environment where people and nature can thrive – all while providing residents affordable, high-quality homes in a well-connected town centre location.

“Delivering real social value and ensuring early benefits for the community are central to us. We look forward to gathering feedback on the proposals to shape a development that everyone can take pride in.”

Following the consultation and development of the proposals, a planning application is likely to be submitted in the Summer of this year.

To learn more about the upcoming events, please visit www.guildfordparkroad.com

 

Media Enquiries

Reece Pugh: rpugh@cascadecommunications.co.uk (020 7871 3564) (Main contact)

Albert Harrison: aharrison@cascadecommunications.co.uk (020 7871 3560)

 Notes to editors

  • These proposals align with Guildford Borough Council’s key priorities. Discover how the council is working towards a Greener, Fairer, Thriving Guildford: www.guildford.gov.uk/corporatestrategy
  • Guildford Park Road car park is a site allocated for redevelopment in Guildford Borough Council’s Local Plan. Guided by planning policies adopted in its Local Plan, the council wants to make better use of this car park by using the land for residential development. This development is part of a wider programme for housing-led regeneration of sites that Guildford Borough Council owns.
  • Guildford Borough Council selected Wates Construction as its development partner for the Guildford Park Road car park site in July 2024, via a competitive dialogue, tender and procurement process that began in June 2023.
  • Wates was established in 1897 and is one of the UK’s leading family-owned, construction, development and property services companies. Wates employs almost 6,000 people, working with a range of clients and partners from across the public and private sectors. Wates Group takes pride in working in partnership with local authorities, public bodies and housing associations to build high quality, mixed tenure housing schemes; driven by the belief that everyone deserves a great place to live.
  • Picture: Indicative view of the proposals looking north


​ Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk