Guildford town centre regeneration scheme being planned

Plans are being drawn up to develop a town centre site in Guildford into homes, shops, cafes, a bus station and public spaces.

Guildford Borough Council and St Edward Homes, a joint venture between Berkeley Group and M&G Real Estate, are working on plans for the five-acre, former Friary Brewery site in North Street.

The developer hopes to include a new micro-brewery in the scheme.

Cycle and pedestrian routes through the development are planned and the road network around the site altered for the benefit of cyclists and pedestrians.

Leader of the council, Cllr Caroline Reeves, said: “Redeveloping this site has been our long-term ambition and working alongside St Edward Homes gives us the opportunity to realise this.

“They will use public engagement and the concept of placemaking to ensure the area is inspirational and full of vitality, capturing the needs and aspirations of residents, businesses and visitors while reflecting and enhancing our beautifully historic town. Their focus on addressing climate change through development aligns with the council’s priorities.”

Tony Pidgley, chairman of Berkeley Group, said: “The council has a fantastic vision for Guildford’s future and we look forward to working in partnership with them and the local community to shape these exciting plans. We want to create a welcoming, sustainable and biodiverse place with the amenities local people need and care about most.

“We also share the council’s focus on tackling climate change and want this to be a low carbon development which has a positive and lasting impact on the town centre environment.”