Wates Group has announced a new partnership with Guildford Borough Council (GBC) to develop an £86 million site in the centre of the city.
The project aims to transform a car park site in Guildford Park Road into a new urban neighbourhood, delivering up to 248 new homes including a commitment to 40 per cent affordable housing.
GBC is committing up to £39.7m from the Housing Revenue Account to buy the affordable housing which will be added to the 5,000 council homes it already owns and manages.
Public consultation will take place before a planning application is submitted. The scheme seeks to deliver a balanced mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, including some townhouses.
The development will be designed to exceed Future Homes Standards along with a 30 per cent biodiversity net gain.
The location is a 12-minute walk to the town centre via a pedestrian bridge and only an eight-minute walk to Guildford train station. The development will be served by regular bus services and pedestrian routes.
A social value programme valued at around £11m is planned that will include creating 40 new jobs alongside offering training, work, and upskilling opportunities.
Lee Bushell, regional director for Wates Group, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Guildford Borough Council to deliver much-needed affordable homes at the heart of the town centre.
“The development exemplifies our commitment to creating vibrant communities and providing quality homes in prime locations. Additionally, as a Surrey-headquartered business, it has been incredibly rewarding to support the local community and uplift the Guildford economy.”
Cllr Julia McShane, leader of the council and lead councillor for housing, said: “I’m passionate about making Guildford an inclusive place to live – a town where local people can find homes that meet their needs, at a price they can afford.
“This new neighbourhood will include a mix of new council homes for rent and affordable homes to buy. We’ll be focusing on creating a high quality, sustainable development where people are proud to live.
“I’m pleased that we’re appointing Wates Group as our development partner. The company has shown that it shares our values and has the expertise to complete this development to a high standard.”
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